Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Community Gardens:
A Handbook
Our Mission:
Mission
To help people grow and share fresh produce.
To teach urban youth responsibility, cooperation and ecological awareness.
To be an active resource for sustainable organic gardening.
Principle Author
Brian Emerson, with input from the Wasatch Community Gardens staff: Ginger Ogilvie,
Celia Bell, Don Anderson, Agnes Chiao and Rob Ferris.
Acknowledgments
Wasatch Community Gardens and the author would like to thank the Barbara L. Tanner
Fellowship and the University of Utah Lowell Bennion Center for funding this project.
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Table Of Contents
Preface 4
Introduction: What is a Community Garden? 5
Forming a Planning Committee 6
•Sample: Time Line For Planning a Community Garden
Envisioning Stage 8
Investigating Land Options and Choosing a Site 9
•Site Assessment Criteria and Selection Process
Acquiring Permission to Use Land for Community Gardens 15
•Finding Out Who Owns the Property
•Seeking Permission to Use Privately Owned Land
•Sample Letter to Property Owner
•Seeking Permission to Use City or County Owned Land
•Seeking Permission to Use Land within Existing Parks
•Tips for Proposing Community Gardens to City or County Councils
Legal Issues: Becoming a Non-profit/ Tax-Exempt Status 20
Things to Consider Including in a Lease 23
•Sample Lease Agreement
Insurance Issues 25
Generating and Assessing the Interest of the Community 26
Planning the Garden 27
• Sample: Community Garden Information & Policies
• Sample: Community Garden Rules and Gardener’s Responsibilities
Fundraising: How To 30
•Sample: Initial Community Garden Budget
Garden Coordinator, Steward, and Treasurer Job Descriptions 33
•Sample: Garden Steward Job Description
•Sample: Garden Coordinator Job Description/Responsibilities
•Sample: Treasurer Job Description
Prepare and Develop the Site 36
Organize the Gardeners 39
•Sample: Orientation Outline
Long-term Planning 40
Maintaining the Site and Promoting Positive Community Relations 42
•Challenges Community Gardens May Face
Resource Guide for Starting a Community Gardening 44
Sources 47
Appendix—Organic Gardening 48
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Preface patterns continue, the prognosis for our
Consider for a moment the problems of food communities will be one of increasing
insecurity in communities throughout our sterility, pollution and social-environmental
country, the decay of inner city illness.
neighborhoods, the increase in city crime
rates, the disappearance of urban open What does this have to do with community
space, the suburban sprawl over arable lands gardens, one might ask? Often doom-and-
and wild places, and the lack of gloom forecasts can be overwhelming to the
neighborhood cohesion. Consider also the point of paralysis, disempowering the
nearly complete absence of locally grown individual who wishes to improve the state
products on the average American dinner of their life and community. Creating
table and the destructiveness of fossil fuel community gardens is a tangible way to
dependent industrial agriculture—rapidly affect positive change. Imagine how much
depleting our topsoil (that takes 300-to- food could be grown on the vacant land in
1,000 years per inch to accumulate), our cities using sustainable gardening
introducing toxic chemicals into our techniques that improve our health and the
environment, loss of habitat and health of the environment. With the creation
biodiversity, global warming, and the of community gardens, blighted vacant
disappearance of our forests. (Badgley parcels in the heart of our ailing cities can be
pg.203, 2002) converted into flourishing green spaces.
They create places where people can escape
As a community we are becoming the chaos of urban life, grow delicious and
increasingly distanced and unfamiliar with nutritious food for themselves and for the
our life-support system. In his book, hungry, beautify their cityscape, reconnect
Coming Home to Eat, author and ecologist with the environment and their social
Gary Paul Nabham writes, “The food we put communities and reduce the distance
into our mouths today travels an average of between their actions and their consumer
thirteen hundred miles from where it’s impacts.
produced, changing hands at least six time
along the way.”(pg 23) There is a growing Community gardens can make significant
disconnect between consumers and their contributions to the health of the earth and to
food sources--between a consumer’s choices the enrichment of our communities. The
and their larger social and environmental process of starting community gardens is an
impacts. Consequently, there is a growing empowering and fulfilling way to build
inability of the public to make connections community and take responsibility for the
between their health and the health of the ills of our world. The benefits of the
environment. finished garden are numerous, both for the
general public, and especially for the
Our cities have become monsters of community of, by, and for which the garden
consumption, rapidly depleting our natural was created. The purpose of this handbook
resources, spreading across the land in is to guide community groups through the
endless stretches of impenetrable concrete process of starting a community garden.
and poisoning our community’s air, water The process is not formulaic and the
and soil. As urban areas continue to information that follows is not meant to be
experience growth, communities are losing exhaustive. However, the hope is that the
much needed green space for recreation, following sections will prove helpful to the
relaxation and neighborhood gatherings. planning and development of your own
The upshot, our social environment and community’s garden. Good Luck.
ecological life support systems are under
increasing stress. If these detrimental
Economic empowerment—provide income
opportunities
Reduce city heat from streets and parking
lots
Enable positive human-earth connections
and the cultivation of environmental
stewardship
Reduce stress and improve mental health of
community members
Introduction: What is a Beautify and enrich neighborhoods and
Community Garden? enhance their sense of identity
A community garden is a piece of land Provide opportunities for intergenerational
shared by friends and neighbors for growing and cross-cultural connections
vegetables and flowers, and providing
opportunities for positive social interactions How does a Community Garden
and recreation. It may be sandwiched Operate?
between two buildings, on the outskirts of a Just as the settings for community gardens
city, in an apartment building courtyard, on vary, so do the ways for making them work.
hospital grounds, alongside railroad tracks, The key to success is to create a system for
or even in your own backyard. decision-making and responsibility-sharing
that works for you and your garden. A
Community gardens can take on diverse governance system that involves all
forms. Designated land can be divided up members of the garden and interested
among neighbors for personal use or community members in maintaining and
developed into school gardens where organizing garden operations will support
subjects including biology, environmental long-term success. Typical garden
science, and mathematics can be taught and committees will address concerns about:
explored in the garden environment. Other general maintenance, garden celebrations,
community gardens have been used for community relations, garden fees, rules for
growing food for food pantries, educational the garden, and the initial and long-term
and training workshops, youth gardening planning for the garden (see later sections).
programs, and integrated into senior centers.
A garden’s theme and program possibilities
are virtually endless and should be the focus What are Challenges that Community
of the envisioning stage. Gardens Face?
Some of the most common challenges that
community gardens face include; Finding
What are the Benefits of Community
Gardening? and securing land; Long-term viability due
Community building tool--create to loss of land to development; Lack of
opportunities for neighbors to work community interest; Theft and vandalism;
together Finding resources in an urban environment;
Grow fresh, nutritious produce in urban and Fundraising (for more information see
areas for community members or the “Challenges that Community Gardens
food banks Face ” sections)
Clean up and use vacant and unsightly lots
Provide safe learning space for children and
adults
Reduce crime and vandalism
Preserve urban green space
5
Forming a Planning Committee actively involved with its development, ask if
s/he will support the garden in other ways.
Community gardens start with 'community.'
Forming a manageable group of committed
Announcing the garden project at neighborhood
individuals ensures that one person will not be
council meetings, putting ads in local
doing all the work. Involving many people at the
newsletters, recording PSAs on local radio
beginning of the process increases the shared
stations and contacting representatives of local
sense of ownership and responsibility for the
institutions will help you recruit committee
success of the garden. If you want to start a
members.
garden in the spring, be sure to start planning no
later than summer of the preceding year. Gather
Once you have a group of interested committee
at least 10 people who are committed to
members, it’s time to call the first meeting. This
maintaining an individual plot of their own and
meeting will allow members to become
the garden as a whole for at least one season
acquainted with each other and is when
(March - November). Be sure to keep neighbors
community building begins. The agenda will
surrounding the garden informed about your
include envisioning what the garden could look
plans. A Planning Committee should include an
like, what land is available, and what focus it
organized Garden Coordinator who is willing to
could take (such as a youth education or food
coordinate plot assignments, water access, and
bank garden).
communication with gardeners and the
landowner. Other common committee positions
In addition to an envisioning session, during the
include a Treasurer, to handle the fees and
first meeting the committee will begin to discuss
money generated by fundraising. And lastly, a
the organizational structure of the community
Garden Steward, who is the link between the
garden, including: how will decisions be made
Garden Coordinator and the gardeners, who
(Ex. Consensus style voting where gardeners
makes basic repairs on the water system and
govern themselves), who will take what role
makes sure the garden is being well-maintained
during and after the planning stage, and
(see next section). These positions are especially
considering who would make good Garden
useful during the late-planning stages and when
Coordinators, Treasurers and Stewards.
the garden is in full operation. Until that time
the committee as a whole will be responsible for
During the planning process it will be the task of
the initial planning stages.
the planning committee to set goals, establish the
garden rules and regulations, decide whether to
The committee should have both people who are
incorporate or not, investigate land options,
interested in being gardeners and people who
negotiate the lease with the landowner, raise
have good community contacts with the city and
funds, determine the garden layout, create a
local businesses. Having an expert gardener on
budget, determine how problems (such as
board, such as a Master Gardener from the
vandalism) will be dealt with if they occur,
County Extension Office would be a good
obtain an insurance plan if needed, and make any
person to act as a reference and committee
other decisions that may arise.
member. Other possible committee members
include: representatives from local schools,
Dividing-up into sub-committees to accomplish
neighborhood council members, church leaders,
each task is an efficient and helpful way to
local politicians, representatives from nonprofits,
manage what to some may be a daunting list of
lawyers, and perhaps most importantly,
tasks. Focusing on one stage at a time will help
neighbors who live near the garden.
you avoid becoming overwhelmed. Possible
committees include: a fundraising committee,
This is a good time to start identifying local
outreach or public relations committee and a
sponsors who would be willing to help finance
steering committee to oversee the project in its
the garden or provide necessary tools or seeds.
entirety. Below is a “mock agenda” for the first
One of the committee’s first jobs will be to
meeting to help you get started. Remember, the
identify local and national resources for
more diverse the members of the planning
community gardening. If a particular contact
committee and “coalition” of sponsors, the more
person, such as a business owner, is interested in
resources will be available and the more
the community garden, but is too busy to be
successful the community garden project will be.
6
Sample: Time Line For Planning a Community Garden
Summer-Fall
1. Publicize the community garden project, make a list of interested individuals, and then
call, email or give each of them an introduction/welcome letter.
2. Call a meeting for those who showed interest in the garden project.
3. 1 st meeting agenda:
-Welcome, introduction
-Envisioning stage. What type of garden—theme (ex. Neighborhood garden), goals, objectives.
-Form a planning committee (sub-committees for each task), organizational structure, positions
-Next steps: (1) Investigate land options (2) Outreach/build support, funding
-Schedule next meeting date
Fall
1. Review and assess land options/contact owners, soil test
2. Continue outreach, generating interest
3. Start drafting budget, listing garden needs, determine garden plot rental fee (if
there will be one)
Fall-Winter
1. Finalize budget/start fundraising, looking for donations ($ and in-kind)
2. Choose a site, negotiate lease
3. Plan the garden--determine rules and regulations
4. Insurance
Winter
1. Continue fundraising
2. Outreach—look for volunteers (to help develop site) and gardeners
3. Plan the garden--layout
Winter-Spring
1. Organize the Gardeners: orientation, applications, waivers, fees, etc.
2. Finalize garden plan
3. Gather all remaining materials needed—plants, seeds, tools, compost, etc.
Spring
1. Prepare and develop site
7
Envisioning Stage Types of Community Garden:
During the envisioning stage, the Neighborhood Gardens: Garden plot
planning committee churns out its are rented to community members
visions, goals and objectives for the who don’t have their own gardening
community garden project in a veritable space. The garden serves as a
brainstorm of ideas. This is the most gathering space for neighbors.
exciting stage when community
members are most enthusiastic and eager Youth/School Gardens: youth garden
to start digging in the earth. The programs where youth groups
questions that should be explored participate in hands-on learning of
include: What type of garden do we subjects such as environmental
want to start (a youth garden, a sciences, biology, and mathematics
neighborhood garden, a food bank in the garden setting.
garden, etc.)? Who is the garden for?
What sort of programs could we run out Food Pantry Gardens: Food grown
of the garden? Where could the garden in garden is donated to local food
be located? Within what area should we banks often lacking fresh, nutritious
search for land? What is the goal for the fruit and vegetables.
garden completion date? How will the
garden be laid out? What benefit will Market/Job Training Gardens:
the garden bring to our community? Commercial garden/economic
What community events could be held diversification programs—in
there? conjunction with local farmers’
markets. Job-training, leadership
Before the end of the first meeting, it’s training, and sustainable urban
important to discuss briefly all the agriculture/small farm business
different stages of starting a community internship programs.
garden and the general timeline so the
committee can stay organized and up-to- Mental Health/Rehabilitation
date. Other decisions that should be at Therapy Gardens: Horticultural
least tentatively made by the end of the therapy/healing gardens, often
first meeting include: the general type of created on hospital grounds. Prison
garden it will be, what sort of programs garden programs.
will be run out of it, and what
neighborhood(s) will be the focus of the Others
search for land. Native/Drought-tolerant
Demonstration Gardens
Flower Gardens
Senior Center Gardens
Public Housing Gardens
committee is still enthusiastic about the
project.
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interested gardeners who helped in the
Visibility garden’s creation. If a parcel is too large
Good visibility will help enhance the it’s ok to start small and garden only what
safety and publicity of a community is presently manageable.
garden. The problems of theft, vandalism,
and violent crime will all be reduced if a Restrooms
garden is especially visible to local Although restrooms are convenient they’re
residents who can keep a watchful eye out not necessary since most gardeners will
for trouble. A centrally located garden likely live close by and won’t be in the
will be seen by more of the public who garden all day. Restrooms can be costly to
may be interested in being involved in the install and mainta in and if land is being
garden. A garden located within walking leased it’s impractical to build a
distance of its gardeners will receive more permanent bathroom. If it’s deemed
activity and therefore will be safer and necessary to have one on site then
better main tained. outhouses can be rented. This option is
practical for garden festivals, but again it’s
Composting Area not necessary. In emergency situations
Most community gardens have a there are usually public bathrooms in close
designated area for composting. Although proximity to the garden. If ownership of
it’s not necessary, at the end of each the land is acquired and the garden made
season there will be piles of dead plant permanent, then installing a restroom
debris to dispose of in one way or another. would be a welcomed addition to the site.
Composting this material is a free method
of disposal and will save money on Power
fertilizer and other soil amendments. Power can be useful but again is not
Composting plant material is also an necessary. About the only essential
integral component of sustainable component of a garden that may
gardening. Some community gardens sometimes require electricity is a water-
have aspired to become completely timer for drip irrigation systems, though,
sustainable (after some initia l inputs) by there are many battery-powered systems
growing cover crops and creating their available on the market. If power is
own compost instead of buying it from an needed for some occasio nal purpose such
outside source. When assessing land as for lighting and music for garden
consider where the composting area might festivals, or for power tools, consider
be designated. For hot and dry climates, negotiating to use a neighbor’s outlet or
locating the compost in a shady spot may better yet, if the budget permits, invest in a
help it stay optimally moist to enhance small solar panel set. This would supply
decomposition. Wasatch Community the garden with enough power for the
Gardens recommends having a compost occasional electricity needs and draw
spot for each plot. interest from the public to see the newest
energy technology in action.
# of Plots
It’s good to have a rough idea of how The Neighborhood
many people will be interested in renting It’s a good idea to survey the
garden plots so a site can be chosen that neighborhood surrounding each site to
will accommodate current and future evaluate the environment’s general
demand. Be careful not to overestimate conduciveness to community gardening.
and acquire land that is unmanageably
large or underestimate and exclude
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Assessing the demographics of a Lastly, it’s wise to assess the level of
community will help you understand the crime in the area around the site. An
needs of community members. This will excessive amount of violence, theft, and
help you determine the garden’s vandalism in a neighborhood may create
usefulness for local residents and help you an environment that isn’t conducive to
incorporate specific programs and designs community gardening. However, the
into the garden to address their needs. For process of starting a community garden
example, if there are a lot of children in can be an excellent way to bring the
the area surrounding a potential site, community together, transform crime-
building a playground or youth plots ridden places into positive public spaces
within the garden would address a need and help reduce crime. If the decision is
and increase the garden use. made to use such land then a few
considerations will help minimize
On similar lines, if there are many unwanted incidents including building and
apartment buildings with no garden space locking a fence around the property at
or few sunny patches in surrounding night with a code known only by the
residential yards, there will likely be more gardeners (though this can create a more
demand for garden plots then in an area exclusive environment) and recruiting
where large sunny yards abound. neighbors to keep a watchful eye on the
Observations such as these can help you garden. City police departments keep
decide if a garden will thrive or wither incident statistics on record that might be
away from lack of use. helpful as you assess the neighborhood
crime levels. Also, often times the police
A more direct method of assessing the officers assigned to your neighborhood
general interest level of local community will give area crime reports at community
members is to send letters of inquiry about council meetings. Form a good
the project and inviting their participation, relationship with your local officer and ask
or simply to go knocking on their doors. them to keep an eye on the garden.
If the city or neighborhood council for the
area is active, try getting them involved as Rather than looking at crime as a problem,
well. Gaining the support of neighbors it can be viewed as a challenge needing
and neighborhood groups is an essential people only to rise to it to bring about a
step. Starting early will only improve the positive solution. Overcoming challenges
gardens chance for long-term success. will bring the community closer together.
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Vehicle Access
Community Garden Site Assessment List
At some point it will likely be necessary to
have a load of compost delivered or rubble Sun:
removed. Therefore, vehicle access is Shade/ Partial Shade/ Full Sun (6-8hrs):
parking is probably not necessary. Depth of Topsoil (where darker soil ends):
However, in already parking-stressed Compact/Loose:
areas parking could be a contentious issue. ph level (soil test):
Each site’s parking situation should be Nutrient levels (soil test): N-P-K
Lead or Other Toxins (soil test):
assessed to avoid upsetting neighbors,
local businesses or churches in the area, Topography:
and to ensure the availability of parking Flat or sloped (degree)
Once the preliminary site assessment has Shed or Tool Box Site:
been completed, the next step is contacting
Composting Site:
the owner. If they agree to host the garden
on their land then the last step is to have Estimate of # of Plots:
the soil tested for harmful contaminants. Visibility (safety and publicity):
The following section will help prepare
you for approaching property owners. Parking:
Restroom Access:
Power:
Vehicle Access:
14
Acquiring Permission to Use information. Salt Lake County
Assessors Office # is 801-468-3050.
Land for Community
Gardens 3- How is the property zoned?
Once several viable parcels of land have During the process of obtaining land for
been identified in your neighborhood, the garden, it may be necessary to know
it’s time to contact the owner. Listed how the property is zoned to make sure
below are the steps one must take to find that community gardening is an
the property owner’s contact information authorized use (in most cases it will be).
and suggestions on how to gain This information can be found by calling
permission to use the property. The the city or county planning departments
steps vary depending on whether the depending on where the property is
property is privately owned or on public located (the city for land within an
land, and may also vary from entity to incorporated city or the county for land
entity. However, the process listed on unincorporated county land). For
below should be relevant for most cities S.L.C. go to the city website, enter in the
or counties. Once permission has been parcel # and the zoning for that parcel
gained, place a sign on the parcel will be ascertained. URL:
publicizing it as the future site of a http://apps1.slcgov.com/General/AddressInforma
community garden. Include contact tion/zoning_search.asp?passval=searchbynumber
information so that interested members
of the public can get involved. Once you know how the property is
zoned, make sure community gardening
is a permitted or conditional use for that
Finding Out Who Owns the zoning category by calling the city or
Property county planning department, or
1- Determining the parcel number: reviewing the local zoning code. If
A parcel # is used by the city/county and community gardening is not a permitted
real estate agencies to identify or conditional use, find out why. The
property. This number can be obtained zoning code may be outdated and up for
by calling most real estate companies challenge. In this case the garden
and giving them the exact address of the committee will have to speak with a
buildings on both sides of the parcel. planner to see if the ordinance could be
successfully challenged, and if so, take
2- Getting the owner’s contact the proposed change to the city or
information:Call the County Assessor’s county council’s approval. (See “Tips
Office and give them either the full for Proposing Community Gardens to
address of the neighboring buildings, or City or County Councils” section
if possible, the parcel # to obtain the below).
property owners name and contact
Seeking Permission to Use be signed for at least 3-to-5 years, as it
would be a shame to invest time
Privately Owned Land and money in a garden and then lose the
Privately Owned Land
land the next year (see “Choosing a Site”
There are a variety of ways to contact the section).
owner once their contact information has
been found. They include writing a letter, 5- Mention that a "hold harmless" waiver
phoning them directly, or setting up a
clause will be included in the lease stating
meeting in person. A courteous and well-
that, should one of the gardeners be injured
prepared presentation of the community
as a result of negligence on the part of
garden proposal will increase your chances
another gardener, the landowner is "held
for a positive response. Some of the points
harmless" and will not be sued.
that should be discussed when approaching a
landowner are listed below. 6-Mention that your group will purchase
Liability Insurance upon the land owner’s
1-Inform them about the myriad of benefits request. This is further protection for the
community gardens bring to communities landowner.
(see “Benefits of Community Gardening”
section). 7-Ask what the past use of the property was
(it's good to know if the land was once a
2- Mention the personal incentives a dumping ground for toxic chemicals).
property owner has for hosting a garden on
her/his land. For example, they would no 8-Be sure to ask about water access. If there
longer need to keep the parcel weed free and isn't any, you may want to look elsewhere,
beautiful once gardeners are responsible for as having water meters installed can be quite
maintaining the site. costly. However, there have been examples
of gardens that have negotiated water access
3-Let them know that you have a well- with neighboring buildings. In one example
organized committee of interested the garden treasurer paid for the community
neighborhood gardeners who are committed garden’s share of the water bill each month,
to the creation and continued upkeep of the while in exchange for the water access, the
garden and who have already met for committee offered a garden plot to the
planning meetings. This will help enable the neighbors with the yearly rental fee waived.
owner to trust that the garden won’t be
neglected, creating an eyesore worse than 9-Mentioning that you have the support of
when it was vacant. In addition, it will an experienced community garden
assure them that the garden won’t fail due to organization (like WCG) or gardening
a lack of community interest. expert will increase your credibility and give
further reassurance to the property owner.
4-Mention that a lease would be negotiated
(and reviewed by a lawyer) if they (the 10-If it seems likely that the owner will
owner) agrees to have the garden on their agree, the next step is taking a soil test for
property. We recommend that a lease general information and to make sure that
it's not contaminated
Sample Letter to Property Owner
Dear ,
My name is ____________. I am contacting you on behalf of the Avenues Community Garden Committee,
a group of Avenues residents working on starting a community garden in the Avenues. Our committee has
met several times for planning meetings and has started building a strong and diversified coalition of
supporters for the garden including a representative of the LDS Hospital Employee Advisory Council (who
offered volunteers), the Sweet Library Branch, the Greater Avenues Community Council, and the Cathedral
of the Madeline church. We’ve also had the ongoing support of an experienced community garden
organizer from the local non-profit organization, Wasatch Community Gardens, who has attended most of
our meetings.
We’ve recently started searching for potential sites for the Avenues Community Garden (ACG) and have
come across your property at 9th Ave. and G Street (494 East). As you might guess, the purpose of this
letter is to inquire about the possibility of using your land as the site of the garden.
We’d love to speak with you in person or over the phone to discuss what hosting a community garden on
your property would entail. We’d also like to present to you the beautiful and vibrant community gathering
space we envision and discuss our proposal in detail.
In general, the garden would be a place where community members who don’t have their own gardening
space (those living in apartment buildings), or who have too much shade (like so many residents in the
Avenues) could grow nutritious produce on plots that they would rent for the cost of maintaining the garden
each year. In addition to making individual plots available to community members, the garden would serve
as a gathering place facilitating positive social interactions. Other possible uses for community gardens
include offering adult educational workshops, youth gardening programs, growing food for local food
bank, and integration within senior centers.
The garden would be managed by the not-for-profit Avenues Committee and there would be an elected
Garden Coordinator to oversee the project in its entirety, a Treasurer to handle the money generated by
fundraising and the plot rental fee, and a Garden Steward who would be in charge of general maintenance
of the garden and to make sure that all the gardeners are maintaining their individual plots (this means you
would no longer need to take care of the site yourself).
Some of the technical issues that would need to be discussed include negotiating a lease, liability insurance,
garden rules and regulations, and water access and billing. Of course, all costs for the community garden
project would be covered by the ACG Committee and the gardeners.
I’ve included with this letter some general information about community gardens provided by Wasatch
Community Garden including a list of some of the benefits community gardens can bring to a community.
The ACG Committee is a well-organized group of interested Avenues residents committed to the creation
and continued upkeep of a community garden in the Avenues. We hope this will help you trust that the
garden will be a success if you granted us permission to use your land.
On behalf of the ACG Committee, I thank you for your consideration of our proposal. Please feel free to
contact me over the phone, email, or by letter to discuss the community garden project in more detail. My
phone number, email address, and mailing address are included below. Thanks again.
Respectfully,
17
Seeking Permission to Use City
or County Owned Land
Land within Incorporated City Area:
1- Call City Dept. of Real Property
Management (Salt Lake City Real
Property Management 535-7133). Ask
them if the land is available and tell
them about your idea to start a
community garden on it.
3- Once approved the lease should be •At any time during the tenure if
negotiated. (See “Investigating Land the County wants to use the land
Options” section, the sample lease, and again, the lease can be
the “Legal Issues” section). terminated, but they would have
to wait until the harvest is
Land in Unincorporated County Area: complete for that year.
1- Call County Dept. of Real Property (Incorporate protocol on what to
Management (Salt Lake County Real do in this circumstance into the
Property Management 468-2556). lease)
2- Obtain approval from County Council 3- Once approved the lease should be
(see below for tips). negotiated. (See “Finding Property”
section, the sample lease, and the “Legal
•If organization has non-profit Issues” section).
status, the next step should be
having a lease drawn up and the (Source: Lee Colvin at the Salt Lake County
property should be able to be Dept. of Real Property Management 10/16/03)
rented for a nominal fee (such as
$1 a year).
21
the Dept. of Commerce. The annual fee $10,000 during the first 4 years,” the fee
for such a license is $100 as of January is $150. For more than $10,000, the fee
2004. The fee for filing as a Limited is $500. (Form 8718)
Liability Company is $52.00 and must
be remitted with Articles of Form SS-4: Application for Employer
Organization. For more information Identification Number Every exempt
contact the Department of Commerce. organization must have an Employer
Identification Number (EIN) even if they
Helpful Information, Forms & do not have any employees.
Publications for Obtaining 501 (c)(3)
Status: If an organization files within 15 months
Pub 4220: Applying for 501(c)(3) Tax- from the end of the month in which they
Exempt Status A helpful document about were organized, their exempt status will
why and how to apply for 501 (c)(3) be recognized retroactively to the date it
status. was organized. (Pg. 17, Pub 557)
Pub 557: Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organizations applying for 501 (c)(3)
Organization The rules and procedures status should review pertinent sections
that pertain to organizations applying for of Pub 557, and then send completed
federal income tax exemption under Forms 1023, 8718, and SS-4 with
Internal Revenues Code 501(c)(3). Articles of Organization (an example
can be found on page 19, section Draft
Form 1023: Application for Recognition A, of Pub 557) with all accompanying
of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of documents and fees to the Internal
the Internal Revenue Code When does Revenues Service.
an organization not need to fill out Form
1023? To order forms and publications.
Exempt status is automatically granted 1-800-829-3676
to “any organization (other than a private Asking tax questions.
foundation) normally having annual Call the IRS with your tax questions at
gross receipts of not more than 1–877–829-5500.
$5,000…”(pg.18 Pub 557, IRS).
However, if an organization files Form The above information is given as
1023 they will receive a letter from the guidance only. Organizations applying
IRS recognizing their exempt status. By for tax -exempt status should consult a
doing so, potential contributors are Tax Advisor to assure all procedures
assured by the IRS that contribution will and rules are followed correctly.
be tax-deductible. Organization deciding whether or not to
become a legal entity such as filing as a
Form 8718: User Fee Exempt non-profit corporation, are strongly
Organization Determination Letter advised to seek legal council from a
Request For “new organizations that lawyer and follow the procedures given
anticipate gross receipts averaging not by the Department of Commerce.
more than
22
Things to Consider Including •Hours of operation--when garden will
in a Lease be unlocked and open to public
•Who is allowed in garden?
•Description of land •What to do when lease rules are
•Beginning date, length of lease term. broken-- lease violated, warning system,
•Procedure for lease renewal/ probationary period?
termination. Will it be automatically •Is there an option for the garden
renewed? With or without notice? Will organizatio n to buy the land.
it be negotiated and resigned each year? •Mention the “waiver of liability” clause
Will there be a lease termination that all gardeners will sign as part of the
procedure? Will the notice be sent out to plot rental application
be received a specified number of days
•Agreement for garden organization to
before lease terminates, automatic
obtain a general liability insurance plan
termination when lease expires unless
if property owner desires it
resigned?
•Division of expenses, specifying each
•Clause allowing garden organization to
party's share of expenses: maintenance,
sub- lease plots for fee--specify tenant's
repairs, utilities, taxes, etc.
right to assign or sublease
•Outline duties to maintain and repair
•Rental cost per year—Who is
property—landlord or tenant?
responsible for paying it and by what
•Who is responsible for paying the
date each year?
property tax?
•What type of rent will be paid (cash,
•Will the lease require the landlord's
share, etc.)? How will rent be
permission before improvements are
calculated? When will rent payments be
made? If improvements are made, a
due?
method should be included for
•Other costs—Who is responsible for
specifying either the landlord's share or
paying the water bill?
how the tenant will be reimbursed for
•Who will be responsible for property the improvements when the lease
damage that occurred during the term of terminates.
the lease?
•Nondiscrimination clause
•Attach Garden Rules and Regulation.
Have a clause referring to them as part This above information is for guidance
of the agreement. Add any additional only. It’s advisable when negotiating a
rules and restrictions to the lease that are lease, to obtain legal review of the lease
not covered in the Garden organization’s agreement.
Rules and Regulation.
•Clause stating that the garden
organization will not act unlawfully and
will operate at all times in accordance
with city/county zoning codes.
23
SAMPLE: 2001 Lease Agreement Between
Wasatch Community Gardens And Mrs. Jane Doe
Mrs. Jane Doe, owner, agrees to lease the property located at 100 West 100 North in Salt Lake City free of
charge to Wasatch Community Gardens. The property is 15,000 square feet not including the front lawn
located south of the gate.
The leased property is to be used as a public community garden with subleased plots, to be administered by
Wasatch Community Gardens. This lease agreement shall commence March 20, 2001 and continue
through November 20, 2001.
Wasatch Community Gardens agrees to sublease plots to the tenants of the apartments at 110 West 100
North for half-price (amounting to $15 for the 2001 season). Wasatch Community Gardens agrees to pay
the full cost of water used during the time the lease is active.
Mrs. Jane Doe agrees to care for the front lawn leading up to the gates surrounding the
community garden area. Wasatch Community Gardens agrees to coordinate the planting and
maintenance of perennial plants around the garden area, with boundaries as follows:
• Mrs. Jane Doe will maintain landscaping and plants outside the gates
• Wasatch Community Gardens will maintain landscaping and plants inside the gates.
This lease agreement will be reviewed at the termination date stated above with the option of renewal each
year according to the desires of Mrs. Jane Doe. Mrs. Jane Doe agrees to permit Wasatch Community
Gardens and the community gardeners participating on the leased property to hold at least one community
party/event on the property.
Wasatch Community Gardens agrees to act lawfully and will operate at all times in accordance with the
city and county zoning codes. The garden “Rules and Regulations” are attached to and considered part of
this lease agreement.
Wasatch Community Garden will be open daily to the public from 6am to 9pm. During the hours the
garden is closed the gate will remain locked. The garden’s Rules and Regulation will be visibly posted at
the entrance of the garden. If any member of the public acts in violation of these Rules and Regulation,
they will be given a preliminary warning. If a further violation occurs the individual will be asked to leave
the property for the remainder of the day. If repeated violations occur, the individual will be officially
banned from the garden.
All gardeners will be required to sign a “waiver of liability” clause as well as an agreement to the garden
Rules and Regulations as part of the plot rental application (see attached “Rules and Regulation” and
“Community Gardener Application” documents).
Wasatch Community Gardens agrees to hold an active general liability insurance plan for the property
during the full duration of the lease agreement.
Wasatch Community Gardens will not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of sex,
race, sexual orientation, religion or political affiliation.
At the termination of this agreement the site will be returned to the owner in a neat and orderly condition.
Property owner:
____________________________ ___________
Jane Doe Date
24
Insurance Issues chance of property vandalism and theft), or if
There are two general types of insurance to gardeners are allowed to use potentially
consider when deciding on an insurance plan for dangerous power tools within the garden.
the garden: property and general liability
insurance. Property insurance covers tools, the The recommended general liability coverage is
irrigation system, or other communal belongings $1,000,000 for each occurrence and a $2,000,000
deemed necessary to protect. Liability insurance “aggregate” coverage, but this may vary from
(the more vital of the two) protects both the agency to agency.
community gardening organization and the
property owner from a lawsuit in the case that If a garden is created on public property the
someone (invited or not) is injured within the community garden organization might not need
garden. Both types of insurance can be written an insurance plan because the property might be
up into one insurance plan. Also, it’s much self-insured by the entity that has jurisdiction
cheaper to be covered under an existing umbrella over it (the city, county, or state).
policy than to create a new plan exclusively for
one garden. If there isn’t an organization that When starting a garden on public property the
offers this service consider setting up an gardening committee should check with the
umbrella insurance plan with other community particular jurisdictional entity they’re working
gardens. It may also be possible to affiliate with with to find out if any additional insurance is
a parent organization such as a church or non- needed.
profit organization that could incorporate the
garden into their existing insurance plans. Unfortunately in Salt Lake City and County,
public property used for a community garden
In general, the cost of the liability insurance usually requires an individual public liability
premium will be determined based on the size of insurance plan, as it will not be covered by the
the garden, the type of programs run there, the city or county. However, because government
amount of anticipated traffic regularly passing policies continually change, committee members
through the garden, and in some cases, the should always inquire about whether or not
appraised risk of injury to gardeners and visitors. additional insurance is needed as the lease is
For example, if a large garden receives hundreds being negotiated.
of visitors a week, then the appraised risk, and
hence the premium, will be higher than for a In the case that liability insurance is needed,
small garden that receives light traffic. Wasatch Community Gardens has a plan with
Beehive Insurance Agency (801-685-2779), but
If the garden organization plans to host a public there’s sure to be other agencies that offer plans.
benefit party or any other type of garden festival It’s a good idea to shop around to find the best
that will draw a crowd, then additional event deal.
coverage may need to be included in the plan.
Other issues that may come up when (Source: Susan Smith at Beehive Insurance
determining an insurance plan include whether Agency 11-4-03)
or not the garden is locked-up at night (increased
Generating and Assessing the positive then starting a garden in their
Interest of the Community neighborhood will be that much easier.
In addition to the suggestions included in If the feedback is negative and
the “Forming a Planning Committee” unsupportive, then it may be a good idea
section, it’s helpful to create and to search elsewhere. Below is a sample
disseminate flyers to residents living in flyer that might be used to inform
the neighborhood surrounding a possible residents in a particular neighborhood of
site for the community garden. Such a the garden planning committee’s project
flyer can invite community participation and encourage their input and
and feedback among residents and the participation.
garden planners. If the feedback is
Avenues Community
Garden
Would you like to have a space where you and your neighbors
could gather among sunflower forests and tomato-laden vines? Or
be involved in a project that could beautify and enrich your
community? A group of Avenues residents are working to do just
that by starting a community garden in the Avenues. The Avenues
Community Garden Committee has met several times for planning
meetings and has started building a strong and diversified
coalition of supporters for the garden.
We’d love to speak with you to discuss what having a community garden in your neighborhood would
entail. We’d also like to invite you to join the committee in planning and designing the potentially
beautiful and vibrant community garden space.
The garden could be a place where community members could grow nutritious produce on plots that they
would rent for a share of the yearly maintenance cost. In addition to making individual plots available to
community members, the garden could serve as a gathering place facilitating positive social interactions.
Other possible uses for community gardens include offering adult educational workshops, youth gardening
programs, growing food for local food banks, and integration into senior centers.
Some general information about community gardens provided by the local nonprofit Wasatch Community
Garden is located on the other side of this flyer.
Thank you for considering our proposal. Whether or not we obtain consent to use the parcel mentioned or
if we find land elsewhere, we encourage your feedback and participation in the planning and development
of the garden. For more information call 359-2658.
Planning the Garden held hoses). Other gardens incorporate
Once a piece of land is secured, it’s time playgrounds for kids or small
to germinate the ideas considered during amphitheaters for community events.
the envisioning stage, and begin When mapping out the physical garden
planning them into reality. Some of the space, refer back to the Site Assessment
questions discussed in the first planning List (from the “Site Assessment Criteria
committee meeting probably included: and Process” section) for a checklist of
What is our vision for the garden? What the basic garden elements.
type of garden are we trying to create?
Will we rent plots to individuals for Plot sizes vary from garden to garden
them to do with as they please, or will depending on the preferences of the
certain groups garden in certain areas? garden planners and the desires of the
Will some space be given for donating community gardeners. One garden plot
produce to the hungry? Should we can take anywhere from 24 to 200
include some specially designed plots square feet. At Wasatch Community
accessible to people in wheelchair? Will Gardens, the most common plot size is
we have raised beds plots? etc. 4’ x 40’ with 2 foot pathways on each
Questions such as these, as well as the side. Beds should run North-South if the
goals and objectives determined in this garden is designed as a grid system to
first meeting should again be brought to prevent shading out plots.
the table to guide the planning stage.
During this stage the committee will Once the physical elements have been
address both the physical layout of the designated and mapped out, the
garden and its operational rules and committee should begin drafting garden
regulations. rules and regulations that determine
everything from gardening methods
Begin by determining the square footage allowed (organic or not), type of
of gardening space available and map it irrigation system (drip, sprinkler, or
out on paper. Then divide up and hoses), to establishing the date when
designate the area into sections for individual garden plots must be cleared
individual garden plots and all other at the end of each season. Some of the
basic elements found in community questions that need to be answered
gardens. These can include communal include: Will garden members ha ve to
spaces (for herbs or flowers), pay a plot rental fee? What rules will be
composting sites, meeting spaces, a sign, established? Will we offer free
a message board, a fence surrounding seeds/seedlings to the gardeners? Will
the garden, tool boxes or sheds, a there be conditions for membership?
delivery space, shady areas for gardeners Below is a sample “Rules and
to sit and relax out of the sun, and Regulations” document to give you a
irrigation systems (centralized sprinkler better idea of some of the concepts that
or drip systems, soaker hoses, or hand- should be considered.
27
Sample: Wasatch Community Gardens
Community Garden Information & Policies
Welcome to the ____(date) gardening season! Wasatch Community Gardens is a local non-profit
organization. We cultivate individual growth and ne ighborhood unity through community
gardening and youth gardening education. Our community gardening policies and procedures are
important for all community gardeners to understand. If you have any questions about this
information, please call ________(contact name) at _________(phone #).
28
Sample: Community Garden Rules and Gardener’s Responsibilities
Each gardener must understand and agree to the following rules and responsibilities before gardening with
Wasatch Community Gardens:
• Chemical weed killers, fertilizers and pesticides are not allowed in any garden.
• Garden fees are $30.00 per plot, payable when gardener registers for plot.
• Plots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Gardeners are limited to one plot
(approximately 4' x 35’). Gardeners may have more plots and may be put on a waiting list for
extra plots, if extra plots are available by _____(date) of the gardening season.
• Disrespectful or abusive language, or destructive behavior can result in the immediate loss of
all gardening privileges, and forfeiture of any crops remaining in the garden.
• New gardeners must attend a Garden Orientation in the Spring. Returning gardeners are
strongly encouraged to attend Spring Orientations as well.
• Gardeners are responsible for weeding their plots by _____(date), and clearing their plots at
the end of each growing season (usually by _____).
• Gardeners are responsible for planting, cultivating and maintaining their own garden plots.
• Gardeners are responsible for assisting with maintenance of common areas at each garden.
Gardeners must contribute 4 hours in the spring, 4 hours in the summer and 4 hours in the fall
in the maintenance of common garden space.
• Gardeners are responsible for keeping the weeds in their gardens and adjoining pathways
below six inches in height.
• Gardeners are responsible for clearing all plant and trellis materials out of their own garden
by the end of each gardening season. Dead material should be placed in compost piles.
29
Fundraising: How To If your community gardening
Introduction organization wishes to raise money by
There are many fundraising strategies to soliciting donations from individuals,
be considered shortly. However, before corporations or foundations, you will
these are explored some general need to obtain a business license by
fundraising tips will be suggested. incorporating--such as by becoming a
Starting a community garden doesn’t nonprofit or LLC (see the “Legal Issues”
have to be a costly endeavor, but it does section). The license cost for
require at least some minimal incorporating as a non-profit is $22.00 or
fundraising. By soliciting in-kind $52.00 for a LLC as of March 2004.
donations and dedicating some time to
urban scavenging an organization can Any business (non-profit or for-profit) in
obtain many of the resources needed to Utah is required to obtain a Charitable
start the community garden. It’s helpful Solicitations License from the Utah
to create a fundraising committee both to Department of Consumer Protection.
spearhead the initial campaign as well as The fee for the license is $100 per year.
talking responsibility for raising the on-
going financial needs of the garden. To A fundamental rule for fundraising is
begin, the committee should be able to “Don’t be afraid to ask: If you don’t ask,
answer the questions; “What is the you won’t get it.” Successful
purpose and mission of the community solicitations will encourage you to
garden?” and “Why is it necessary or continue until you’ve met the budgetary
desirable to the community?” The goal. The fundraising committee should
community garden’s goals and identify likely donors (gardeners,
objectives (refined, precise goals) should neighbors, local institutions or anyone
be outlined by the planning committee else who will benefit from the garden).
and then used to help convince donors to When raising a relatively small amount
support the project. The fundraising of money (which is likely the case for
committee should present these ideas in most community gardens), individual
brochure form so they can be distributed contacts will be the focus of your
to potential donors. solicitations. Frie nds and acquaintances
in particular are often those most willing
Although it’s not necessary, the garden to donate a little extra cash.
organization may want to obtain 501
(c)(3) tax-exempt status so donations are The initial start-up cost can range from
tax-deductible—thus attract more $500 to $5,000 depending on the size,
contributions (see “Becoming a Non- the elements (tool shed, irrigation
profit…” section for more discussion on system, type if fencing, extra wood,
this matter). The organization can either compost) that will be included in the
apply for its own tax-exempt status or it garden and how much materials can be
can affiliate with a parent organization donated. The ongoing yearly budget can
such as a church or non-profit group range from $300 and up depending on
under which to run the community size, water used, what’s offered to the
garden and thus share their non-profit community gardeners by the
status. organization (seeds, tools, compost), and
repair costs (irrigation system). It’s
often cheaper for businesses to donate to craft successful letters. Include a
in-kind rather than with financial “wish list” and a brochure with every
contributions. Go to your local letter you send to introduce your project
institutions, gardening and hardware to the targeted recipients. In-person
stores where you’re familiar with the delivery is preferable if possible and
owners or staff and ask them for follow-up calls are advisable. In
donations. Take a “wish-list” of needed addition, thanking contributors and
supplies. If you aren’t familiar, don’t let publicly acknowledging them is an
that stop you. Simply introduce yourself essential way to show your appreciation
and have information about your and maintain a strong relationship.
organization, a fund-raising letter and Don’t be discouraged. Initial response
your “wish-list” ready to give to the may be minimal until the organization is
store manager. (Tip: contact seed more widely known.
companies and ask them for some of
their seeds that they were unable to sell Writing Grant Proposal
from the previous year. These seeds will Grant writing can draw in significant
generally only have a slightly contributions if done skillfully, though it
diminished germination rate). can take 6 months or longer to get a
Remember to say thanks regardless of response. Generally larger nonprofit
their response—they may decide to organizations that have tax-exempt
donate in the future when they become status utilize this strategy. Due to the
more familiar with your group. If an elaborate process and limited space in
organization seems especially interested this handbook, grant writing will not be
in your cause, ask them to be an official discussed here. See the “Resources”
fiscal sponsor. section that follows for good references
on this subject.
In organic agriculture planting a
diversity of crops together in a garden Survey Letter
plot helps to prevent pest epidemics and Creating and disseminating a survey
the spread of species-specific pathogens asking people for their input regarding
(see “Introduction to Sustainable the community garden project is a good
Gardening Practices”), therefore, introductory strategy that can
planting diverse crops results in a more accompany a letter or be sent
stable garden ecosystem. Similarly, individually. Start the survey with
using a dive rsity of fundraising several questions that do not involve
strategies will increase the financial making donations, such as:
stability of the garden organization.
1)“Do you support the creation of a community garden
Several potential fundraising strategies in your neighborhood?”
are summarized below. 2)“What type of garden would you like to see in your
neighborhood (Youth Garden/Food Bank
Garden/Educational Garden/Neighborhood
Direct-Mail Appeals Garden/Flower Garden. etc.)?”
Direct appeal fundraising letters are 3)“What type of programs would you like to see the
given to local corporation/bank s, garden organization offer?”
foundations and individuals to solicit
contributions. See the “Resources” Then embed a subtle question into the
section to find more information on how survey regarding the respondent’s
31
willingness to donate time, materials, or of money to raise some. Be creative.
money. Ideas to consider include: car washes,
craft/bake sales, benefit concerts or
Door-to-Door Solicitation (people hate lectures, auctions and raffles of donated
to do it, but it’s effective) items, plant sales, garden tours, harvest
This strategy is self-explanatory. festivals/sales, creating and selling
Remember to have information ready to garden cookbooks and holding
give out and be willing to listen to the workshops taught by volunteer experts.
concerns and input of those you When appropriate, entry fees can be
approach. Again, thank them for their charged. Fundraising events can also
time regardless of whether they make a draw good publicity. Make certain that
contribution or not. every potential donor is invited. Also,
always have an official and recognizable
Fundraising Events “donation can” present at each function
It’s easy to overextend fundraising that you plan.
events and end up spending as much or
more money organizing them then is The above information is intended as
raised in the end. Be careful to plan an guidance only. It’s advisable to consult a
event of the appropriate scale for your lawyer regarding any legal issues that your
needs. It’s not necessary to spend a lot committee is dealing with.
32
may have more than one Garden
Steward. The most essential issue is to
have at least one person in the garden
managing it and acting as a liaison
between the gardeners and the garden
organizer, and one person who deals
with administrative issues such as
community relations, finances, and plot
assignment.
33
Sample: Garden Steward Job Description
Term of Service/ Selection Process
One year (November-October)
Appointed by Community Gardening Committee (application must be filled out)
Preseason Responsibilities
Lay out community garden goals for Garden Steward program
Understand roles, responsibilities, expectations of garden organization, community
gardeners and Stewards
Define authority, rule enforcement process (warning system) before the season begins
Know how to operate garden—steward should know basics in irrigation system
maintenance repair, tool box/shed combo, etc.
Investigate leadership styles, different ways to operate garden, how to deal with difficult
people, conflict resolution
Develop goals and strategies for achieving them
Example Goals for the Season
Take every step possible to reduce water usage in all gardens
Increase gardener attendance at workshops
Increase gardener participation in maintaining communal areas
Hold a community celebration in each garden
Increase composting in each garden
Determine calendar for coming year
34
Sample: Garden Coordinator Job Description/Responsibilities
Coordinate and Train Garden Steward, enable them to handle gardener disputes and organize communal
space work projects
Organizes Community Garden Committee meetings
Recruit gardeners for garden each season as space is available
Assign garden plots
Plan and conduct garden orientations for community gardeners, work projects, and
general garden meetings
Help committee determine which community gardeners would make good Garden Stewards and
Treasurers--ask them if they’re interested in volunteering for the job.
Determine roles, responsibilities, expectations of garden organization, community
gardeners and Garden Coordinator
Lay out community garden goals with the Garden Steward and Treasurer
Determine method of communication with Garden Steward (check-in schedule)
Investigate leadership styles, different ways to operate garden, how to deal with difficult
people, conflict resolution
Understand water and compost systems, policies and enforcement
Maintain good community relations, active public outreach, community contact list
(community councils, churches, businesses, neighbors, non-profits, government
staff, etc.)
Resolve conflicts that the Garden Steward and gardeners were unable to resolve
Sign lease on behalf of garden committee
Renew garden insurance plan
Help treasurer with fundraising
Help Garden Steward plan and implement social events, garden gatherings, and work
projects in the garden
Develop goals and strategies for achieving them
Example Goals for the Season
Take every step possible to reduce water usage in all gardens
Increase gardener attendance at workshops
Increase gardener participation in maintaining communal areas
Hold a community celebration in each garden
Active composting in each garden
Determine calendar for coming year with Garden Steward and Treasurer
Tasks include:
Managing the organizations finances and bank account
Paying the bills —water, insurance, utilities, resources, etc.
Issuing checks for expenses requested and approved by committee
Depositing rental fees
Helping the Garden Coordinator and planning committee raise funds
35
Prepare and Develop the Site Hopefully this will be the first of many
Once the garden plan has been finished community gatherings that will occur in
and the necessary materials and funds the garden space.
gathered, it’s time to prepare and develop
the site. This is when the sweat and toil Before breaking the ground it’s important
endured over the planning table begins to that the whereabouts of all water, gas, or
fruit, tangibly and the committee and utility lines are known. This can be
community gardeners actually get to stick determined (for residents of Utah) by
their fingers into the earth and be glad. calling the non-profit Blue Stakes of Utah,
who will contact utility companies and
Several tasks need to be completed during instruct them to mark-off their lines
this stage: according to a pre-established color-
1) Organize one or more garden coding scheme. It takes a week or so
workdays to develop the garden space before the land can be marked, so it’s a
2) Notify all volunteers and prepare good idea to call and schedule the
them for the workday markings to occur before the date of the
3) Have utility companies mark out any workday. Blue Stakes of Utah can be
water, gas, or utility lines and hook-up
water before the workday reached at 801-208-2100, or 1-800-662-
4) Amass all the input material, supplies 4111. It’s also a good idea to make sure
and tools needed to create the garden the water is hooked up and spouting by the
workday so when the garden has been
When planning the garden workdays it’s developed community gardeners can
important to pick a day(s) based on when immediately begin planting and seeing the
you think the most volunteers could benefits of their planning efforts.
participate, and then publicize the event
widely. Get the word out to all neighbors, It’s helpful to establish one or more event
community gardeners, anyone who at any coordinators for the workday(s) to see that
time expressed even a modicum of the event runs smoothly, i.e. to coordinate
interest, and to the general public. Recruit the materials and volunteers the day of the
volunteers from universities, high schools, event, and act as the contact person. The
churches, County Cooperative Extensions event coordinators should be easily
Offices (they have master gardeners who identifiable, wearing some form of
have a number of volunteer hours for insignia so that volunteers can find them
community projects they must complete to and be directed. Before the workday
become certified), neighborhood council begins, the event coordinator should refer
groups, girl scouts, boy scouts, and any back to the layout map and plan made
other community groups you can think of. during the garden planning stage. This
Also, the Utah nonprofit, Information and will keep the volunteers organized and
Referrals (a program of the Community make sure that the garden develops
Services Council), may be a helpful according to the decisions made during the
resource. Among other services they planning stages. The planning committee
recruit and refer volunteers and publicize may also want to contact and invite local
volunteer needs. Call them at 211 or 972- press to catch some positive publicity for
3333. Their website is the community garden. In addition,
www.informationandreferral.org. The someone should be assigned the task of
more volunteers are recruited, the faster taking pictures before, during, and after
the tasks will be accomplished and the the workdays to document the changes and
more community interaction and cohesion. compare them with the garden later on in
the season.
structure and disrupting the upper soil
During the workday, all the tools, layer that contains the most biological
supplies, and input resources neede d for activity. For more information about the
preparing and developing the site must be double -digging technique, see the
gathered at the site. Some of these items “Double -digging” handout included in this
are listed at the end of the section. Be sure booklet. For raised beds, the soil and
to ask volunteers to bring their own tools compost may be sufficiently loose, aerated
if they are needed. and mixed, simply by the act of filling
the m up, and therefore require no
Once onsite, the first task is to clear the additional preparation.
site of garbage, rubble, and large rocks.
It’s also good to remove weeds before After each plot has been clearly marked,
tilling to avoid chopping and dispersing tilled and double -dug, it’s time to layout
weed roots and seeds. After it’s cleared the waterlines and setup the timer (for drip
the lot should either be tilled all together, irrigation or sprinkler systems) or hook-up
or each individual plot should be the hoses. If no one in the group has
delineated with string and stakes (or experience setting up irrigation systems,
untreated wood for raised beds), and then find a local expert and ask them to donate
tilled individually. The latter option may their expertise.
be more efficient as pathways and sitting
areas don’t need to be tilled. If the parcel Once all the plots and paths have been
is covered with sod, remove the sod, then created, the remaining designated areas
go forward with the above task. Sod can should be established. These include
be removed by hand and shovel, or by a setting up the compost area, building or
sod cutter. If by hand, cut into the sod assembling the shed or tool box, creating
with shovel to a depth of three inches, lift the meeting spaces and shady spots,
up the edge of the sod, wedge a shovel building the fence, erecting the sign and
underneath, pry up the section and remove bulletin board, laying down woodchips or
it. mulch over the paths, and planting the
communal garden plots. With a sufficient
Compost and extra topsoil (if needed) can number of volunteers working these tasks
be added before or after tilling. Either together, the community garden should be
way it’s more cost efficient to add these completed in no more than a couple of
materials to individual plots rather than days. At this point the planning
waste them on the paths and other areas committee may want to throw a grand
that will not be cultivated. opening party to publicly acknowledge the
efforts of those involved in its creation,
Once plots have been marked and tilled, and to celebrate the new asset of the
each one can be double -dug (mixing in community. All volunteers, neighbors,
any compost or soil amendments if they community gardeners, contributors of any
haven’t been already). This will aerate, kind and the general public should be
loosen and enriching the soil up to two invited. The press should be contacted to
feet deep, and is thought to create the gain some positive publicity. The party
optimal growing conditions. This is good could be in barbeque/potluck style with
to do in addition to tilling because even music. During the event, every individual,
deep-tined tillers usually do not penetrate church, foundation or business that
deeper than a foot. However, some people contributed time, materials or funding
use broadforks instead of the double - should be publicly acknowledged and
digging methods to avoid damaging soil thanked.
37
List of tools, supplies, and other resources for preparing and developing the garden
Tools:
*Long handled, Round-nosed Shovels, for general turning soil and compost
Short/D-handled, Square-nosed Digging Spade, for double -digging and sod removal
Rectangular Digging Spade, for digging straight-edged holes (for trees or larger
shrubs)
*Steel, Level-head or Bow Rakes, for smoothing and grading soil, incorporating
compost into the soil surface, and covering seeds
Garden Hoes, for weeding, cultivating soil, and making furrows to plant seeds into
*Hand Shovels and Trowels, for weeding, cultivating and planting seedlings in
prepared beds
Small Front-tine or larger, more powerful, Rear-tine Rotary Tillers, (depending on the
size of the area to be tilled and the hardness of the soil) for initial
preparation and aeration of beds, and working compost into soil
*Wheel-barrows, for moving soil/compost or if removing sod from the site
*Spading (Digging) Fork, for turning and aerating soil and compost, and digging for
root crops
Broadfork, (if needed) for loosening and aerating soil with minimal structural
disturbance to soil and soil organisms (sometimes used instead of the
double-digging method)
Mattock, (if needed) used if the soil is very hard
Sod Cutter, (if needed) for removing sod (manual or motorized), but you can use shovels
Loopers, for pruning small-diameter tree and shrub branches
Swivel Saw, for pruning back shrubs and trees
Supplies:
Gardening gloves
100+ ft. measuring tape
Building tools and supplies if building a fence, tool box/shed, raised beds, signs or
a bulletin board
Irrigation system supplies: timer, hoses, drip line, filter, sprinklers, etc. depending on
which type of irrigation system has been chosen.
Garbage bag for litter
String and stakes for delineating plots
Untreated wood for raised beds, lining the paths, etc.
Benches and tables
Other Resources:
Compost
Extra topsoil
Wood chips for the path
Mulching materials
Plants and trees that will occupy the communal spaces (If individual plot renters
have been assigned plot space by this time, they may wish to bring plants
or seeds and begin planting immediately)
1. Preparation
A. In January, set the dates for Orientations
i. Each garden should have two options scheduled – Orientation and alternate Rain Date
ii. Try to schedule on a Tues., Wed. or Thurs. evening to catch those who work
iii. Schedule Spring Garden Cleanups on Saturdays soon after the orientation date
iv. Usually Orientations are scheduled at the end of March, beginning of April. This gives
gardeners enough time to work their plots before the May 1 deadline.
B. Notify gardeners of Orientation dates
i. Print the dates in the Spring Newsletter
ii. Print postcards and send to new and returning gardeners
iii. Do not tell people about the orientation until they have returned their registration form.
iv. Reminder phone calls might be helpful, but not required
C. Materials
i. Print any handouts you will need at least a week before the first Orientation
ii. Prepare drip irrigation demos
iii. Make sure that you have access to dry erase board and writing implements
2. Orientation
A. Orientation should take 30-45 minutes
i. Some gardeners will have more questions than others
ii. Be prepared to repeat items for latecomers
B. Use Gardener Information and Policies sheet as a guide for discussion topics
i. Remember to discuss rules for "subletting" garden plots (not on sheet)
ii. Be sensitive to group dynamics; maintain group attention
iii. Emphasize importance of community/working together
C. Goals
i. To discuss and familiarize gardeners with garden policies
ii. To emphasize drip irrigation protocol
iii. To emphasize appropriate planting practices
iv. To assign plots to new gardeners
v. To provide gardeners with an opportunity to get to know each other
D. Do a short garden tour
i. Tool bin
ii. Bulletin board or place to communicate
iii. Water source
iv. Compost pile(s)
v. Combination Lock
vi. Garden Layout
E. Assign plots to new gardeners
i. Gardeners must complete Orientation before receiving plot assignment
Long-term Planning 99-year lease. In addition to lease length if
At last the community garden is in full the property owner agrees, it’s a good idea
operation. The gardeners are becoming to include a clause outlining the lease
acquainted with their soil, neighbors are renewal procedure and an “option to buy”
chatting merrily under shady trees, children clause in the lease. Organizing a fund
are constructively playing in their youth raising drive to buy the land is the surest
plots, squash plants are sinuously vining and way to maintain the garden for perpetuity.
flowers blossoming prolifically. Now it’s Again, maintaining active and solid public
time to consider how to maintain the urban support will aid in the success of such a
paradise you’ve so laudably created. This is campaign. In the case that the property
the long-term planning stage, crucial for owner is determined to develop the property,
sustaining the garden. it may be necessary for the garden to
relocate. However, because the garden
There are a number of administration and gardeners
issues to consider are already organized the
regarding the long-term search for land should be
viability of a community easier than the initial hunt.
garden. How can you
ensure that the land will Lastly, attention should be
remain available to your given to the garden’s
gardeners over the long ecological sustainability. For
run? One of the most example, growing heavy-
common threats to feeder crops such as corn on
community gardens is the same plot of land without
land loss. The property adding organic matter,
owner could decide to rotating crops or planting
develop the land, the cover crops will eventually
garden organization could deplete the soil. Periodically
crumble due to a lack of adding compost, cover
financial support, the land cropping and rotating crops
could be rendered will help the soil retain
unproductive due to adequate nutrient levels and
intensive unsustainable help prevent the proliferation
gardening practices, the community of soil born pests such as nematodes and
gardeners could loss interest, or a group of pathogens. Good stewardship and
neighbors or government official could cultivation practices will help community
campaign against the garden leading to its gardens stay productive over the long run.
expulsion from the site. Although in some By predominantly using inputs grown and
instances the community garden will not be prepared on site, a garden can come close to
able to avoid these challenges and must achieving a self-reliance that will contribute
relocated, a little foresighted planning can to its sustainability. (See “Introduction to
go a long way. Sustainable Gardening Practices” section for
more on gardening sustainably).
The Land
When signing a lease for a particular Neighborhood Support
property, try to negotiate as lengthy a lease It’s essential that the community and
as possible. Wasatch Community Gardens especially the direct neighbors of the garden
recommends a minimum of 3 to 5 years, but remain invested and in positive relation with
the longer the better. Some gardens have the garden. Maintaining strong community
been able to negotiate a 10, 20 and even a contentment with the garden will assure
future support in case the garden becomes
endangered in the future for any of the internal desires of the organization, or in
reasons mentioned above. This point has reaction to changes in the community as
been mentioned before but it can’t be demographic turnover occurs. It’s a good
stressed enough. Furthermore, the larger idea to keep up communication with the
and more diverse the coalition of supporters, community immediately surrounding the
the more successful and secure the garden
garden to address their changing needs.
will be in the long run. (See the
“Challenges…” section to follow for more This will maintain the garden’s usefulness
on neighborhood support). and therefore the community’s support for
it. Some of the organization’s goals and
By working with city officials you may also objective may entail offering more public
be able to have community gardening or education programs, opening up additional
your particular garden included into gardens, or offering new services to the
neighborhood city plans by means of public. It’s helpful to stay cognizant of
garden-friendly zoning ordinances or other long-term issues in the present to help steer
municipal community garden policies. Even the organization in the desired direction.
if no policy initiative is attempted, the
Also, when expanding programs and
garden will be more secure simply by
maintaining good relations with government operations it is advisable to take manageable
officials and community leaders. (See steps to avoid overwhelming the
Policy References in the “Resources” organization and triggering its collapse.
section). Such changes in direction might merit
updating the organizations official mission
Lastly, by actively recruiting new gardeners statement.
and volunteers using the same methods
employed during the planning stages, the Finances
garden will never have to worry about losing As mentioned earlier, if your garden charges
community support. Most successful a fee for plot rental, it is sometimes possible
gardens with have a waiting list for to determine the rental fees so that they
interested gardeners or gardening groups cover the yearly cost of maintenance (for
until plots become available. water, repairs, etc.) Otherwise it will be
necessary to engage in fundraising
Administrative and Organizational Issues campaigns each year. See the earlier
There are some administrative questions that “Fundraising” section for fundraising ideas.
should be answered to prepare for changes The Treasurer should keep up a checking
that may occur in the long-term. These account, and if possible, maintain a small
include: how will your organization make balance to help the organization in case
amendments to the Rules & Regulations if unforeseen costs arise.
they are needed? How will new
Coordinators, Steward and Treasurer Maintenance
positions be filled as individuals come and Having a maintenance plan that assigns
go? And, how will they be trained once necessary tasks and schedules community
they’re elected? (Revisit the “Job garden workdays will help keep up a comely
Description” sections for more on these appearance prevent weed infestations, and
topics). keep the surrounding community satisfied.
(See Maintaining the Gardens Appearance
As time passes the garden organization, from the “Challenges…” section for more
firmly rooted in the community, may wish to on garden maintenance).
expand their role. This may arise from the
41
Maintaining the Site and In addition, keep friendly terms with the
neighbors. Up-date them about the garden’s
Promoting Positive Community status and any events held there—both to
Relations invite them and to give them a heads up.
Once the garden has been established and
plants begin to grow, don’t forget that it will ‘Enemies’ of Garden
need continued attention throughout the It’s important to invite anyone and everyone
year. Weeds will be a problem the first with any possible interest in the community
season. The best way to battle them is to pull garden project to participate in the creation
them out before they go to seed – this will of the garden from the beginning. People
require communal effort. You may that feel left out may develop an ultimatum
experience vandalism. Be prepared with the against the garden. Maintaining good
relations and communication with the
number of the graffiti hotline and get to
community, making lots of friends, and
know the officer who patrols your keeping a good track record by dealing with
neighborhood. You will undoubtedly have complaints quickly and respectfully are the
problems with your new water system. best ways to limit the number of ‘enemies’
Make sure that you retain good relations of the garden. In the case that someone has
with the person who helped install it. Be a determined and rigid hatred of the garden,
sure to turn the water off before the ground try understanding their concerns and invite
freezes, and don’t turn it on again until the friendly dialogue. Avoid degenerating to
ground thaws. Don’t forget to have a harvest name calling. If their attack continues, your
party at the end of the season to thank history of good relations and solid
community support will serve as your best
everyone for their hard work and to
protection.
celebrate the fruits of your labor.
Vandalism and Theft
Maintain community involvement by It’s a good idea to be prepared for vandalism
attending community council meetings, and theft in a new community garden.
posting flyers in your neighborhood, making However, the problem tends to be an
presentations to youth groups, civic groups, exaggerated one that most gardens
church groups. Always notify neighbors of experience only minimally. Fences are used
the garden of any changes you plan or any to deter vandals and keep stray dogs out.
events that will be taking place – they can be Neighbors and gardeners are asked to keep
your best allies. an eye out for strangers who may not be
respecting the garden property. Signs can be
Challenges Community Gardens posted requesting visitors to refrain from
May Face picking community gardeners’ produce.
Lack of Community Also, by inviting the whole community to
After the first few seasons, interest may participate in the garden early on, potential
plateau or even start declining without any troublemakers become positively involved
active outreach. This is when the in the garden rather than causing problems.
community garden (if not owned) may Refer back to the “Neighborhood”
become vulnerable to development or paragraph in the “Investigating Land
collapse. There are a number of outreach Options and Choosing a Site” section for
activities that can help sustain community more information on how to avoid crime
interest over the long run, such as holding related issues with good planning. Lastly,
biannual garden festivals and offering public including youth programs or plots in the
classes on gardening techniques. community garden will invite their positive
participation in the garden and give them a
sense of ownership. Neighborhood children
who have no relation to the garden may be neighborhood. Good planning will help
more likely to vandalize it. maintain a beautiful and attractive garden.
43
Resource Guide for Starting a Community Gardening
Books/Articles/Websites on Community Gardening:
Community Gardening Guides
A Handbook of Community Gardening, by Boston Urban Gardeners, edited by Susan Naimark Published in 1982
Creating Community Gardens, by Dorothy Johnson, Executive Director, & Rick Bonlender, MN Green Coordinator,
Minnesota State Horticultural Society Minnesota State Horticultural Society, 1970, Charles Scribner's Sons,
New York
Cultivating Community: Principles and Practices for Community Gardening As a Community-Building Tool, by Karen
Payne and Deborah Fryman
“Starting a Community Garden,” American Community Garden Association (ACGA),
http://www.communitygarden.org/pubs/starting.html
“Community Garden Start-up Guide,” University of California Cooperative Extension in Los Angeles,
http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/garden/articles/startup_guide.html
Fundraising
“How to: Fund Raising,” by Gary Goosman, in Community Greening Review 1998, ACGA
The Complete Book of Fund-Raising Writing, Don Fey, The Morris-Lee Publishing Group, 1995
The Complete Book of Model Fund-Raising Letters, Roland Kuniholm, Prentice Hall, 1995
(See Local section for local assistance in becoming a nonprofit)
Companion Planting
Carrots Love Tomatoes, Louise Riotte, Storey Books, 1998
Great Garden Companions, Sally Jean Cunningham, Rodale Press
Pest Control
Rodale's Color Handbook of Garden Insects, Anna Carr, Rodale Press, 1979
Rodale's Successful Organic Gardening Controlling Pests and Diseases, Michalak & Gilkeson, Rodale Press, 1994
The Organic Gardener’s Handbook of Natural Pest and Disease Control, Barbara Ellis, Rodale Press, 1996
Bugs, Slugs, and Other Thugs, Rhonda Massingham Hart, Storey Books, 1991
Dead Snails Leave No Trails, Loren Nancarrow and Janet Hogan Taylor, Ten Speed Press, Berkeley, CA 1996
Good Bugs for Your Garden, Allison Mia Starcher, Algonquin Books, 1995
1,001 Old-Time Garden Tips, Roger B. Yepson, Rodale Press, 1998
Edible Landscaping
Designing and Maintaining Your Edible Landscape Naturally , Robert Kourik (out of print)
Lead in Soil
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1149.html
Composting
The Rodale Book of Composting: Easy Methods for Every Gardener, Martin &Gershuny, eds., Rodale Press, 1992
Vermiculture
Worms Eat My Garbage, Mary Appelhof, Flower Press 1982 Kalamazoo, Michigan
Periodicals:
Organic Gardening , Rodale Press, http://www.organicgardening.com
Mother Earth News , Ogden Publications, http://www.motherearthnews.com
Tool Catalogs:
Lee Valley Tools (800) 871-8158
PO Box 1780 Ogdensburg, NY 13669-6780
http://www.leevalley.com
Seed Catalogs:
Bountiful Gardens
18001 Shafer Ranch Road Willits, CA 95490
http://www.bountifulgardens.org
45
Straw
AA Callister 973-7058 Layton Farm and Home 544-5944
3615 South Redwood Road 164 S Main Layton 84041-3725
Tools, Etc…
Western Garden 364-7871 Home Depot 467-3900
550 South 600 East 300 West 2100 South
Sutherland’s 538-0000
1780 West North Temple
Soil Testing
USU Analytical Labs (435) 797-2217
Ag Science Rm 166
Logan, UT 84322-4830
Horticultural Specialists
Utah Extensions Service
Salt Lake County: 2001 South State Street #1200 Salt Lake City 801-468-3170
Davis County: 28 East State Street PO Box 618 Farmington 801-451-3403
Utah County: 51 South University Avenue #206 Provo 801-370-8460
Wasatch Community Gardens
400 South 345 East, SLC UT 801-359-2658
State of Utah Dept. of Commerce 160 East 300 South Main Floor, SLC (Walk-In)
Information Center: (801) 530-4849 (877) 526-6438
www.commerce.utah.gov
46
Web Sites:
Wasatch Community Gardens www.wasatchgardens.org
Garden Guides www.gardenguides.com
Garden Gate garden-gate.prairienet.org
Garden Web www.gardenweb.com
Cooks’ Garden www.cooksgarden.com
Organic Kitchen www.organickitchen.com
World Leader www.worldleader.com/garden
Backyard Gardener www.backyardgardener.com
Seeds Blum www.seedsblum.com
Garden Forever www.gardenforever.com
ACGA www.communitygarden.org/index.html
Biodynamic Gardening www.biodynamic.net
Gardening www.life.ca/subject/gardening.html
Urban Harvest www.jumpnet.com/~arjun/UrbanHarvest
CSA info www.csacenter.org
Garden Net www.gardennet.com
National Gardening Assoc. www.garden.org/
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sources
A Handbook of Community Gardening, by Boston Urban Gardeners, Susan Naimark ed., Charles
Scribner’s Sons, 1982
“Can Agriculture and Biodiversity Coexist?,” by Catherine Badgley, in Fatal Harvest, Kimbrell
ed., Island Press, 2002
“Community Garden Start-up Guide,” University of California Cooperative Extension in Los
Angeles, http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/garden/articles/startup_guide.html
Coming Home to Eat, by Gary Paul Nabham, W.W. Norton & Company, 2002
Creating Community Gardens, by Dorothy Johnson, Executive Director, & Rick Bonlender, MN
State Horticultural Society, 1992
Cultivating Co mmunity: Principles and Practices for Community Gardening As a Community-
BuildingTool, by Karen Payne and Deborah Fryman, American Community Gardening
Association, 2001
Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening, J. I. Rodale, Rodale Press, 2000
Four-Season Harvest, Eliot Coleman, Chelsea Green Publishing Co., 1999
“How to: Fund Raising,” by Gary Goosman, in Community Greening Review, American
Community Gardening Association, 1998
How to Grow More Vegetables, John Jeavons, Ten Speed Press, 1995
Internal Revenues Service
Rodale’s All-New Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening, Barbara W. Ellis (ed.), Rodale Press,
1992
“Starting a Community Garden,” American Community Garden Association,
http://www.communitygarden.org/pubs/starting.html
State of Utah Dept. of Commerce, www.commerce.utah.gov
The Complete Book of Fund-Raising Writing, Don Fey, The Morris -Lee Publishing Group, 1995
The Complete Book of Model Fund-Raising Letters, Roland Kuniholm, Prentice Hall, 1995
The Garden Primer, Barbara Damrosch, Workman Publishing, 1988
The New Organic Grower, Eliot Coleman, Chelsea Green Publishing CO, 1995
47
Appendix
Organic Gardening
Compose by Wasatch Community Gardens Staff or as Sited
48
Introduction to Sustainable Gardening Practices
"We 'farm' as we eat. For example, if we consume food that has been grown using methods that
inadvertently deplete the soil in the growing process, then we are responsible for depleting the
soil. If, instead, we raise or request food grown in ways that heal the Earth, then we are healing
the Earth and its soils. Our daily food choices will make the difference. We can choose to sustain
ourselves while increasing the vitality of the planet." John Jeavons, How to Grow More
Vegetables
3. Cover Cropping
Cover crops are any type of planting that covers your soil when it is not being used for active
production. Favorite cover crops are ones that produce a good amount of dry matter for the
compost bin (rye, wheat, sudangrass) and ones that “fix” nitrogen from the air to the soil, called
legumes (peas, vetch, clover). Cover crops should be harvested and composted to add organic
matter and nutrients to your soil. Although cover cropping has traditionally been used by farmers
49
for maintaining healthy soil, many home and urban gardeners are using the same techniques on a
smaller scale. Using cover crops can:
• Protect soil in winter months
• Attract beneficial insects
• Break up clay or hardpan
• Increase nutrients in your soil
• Conserve soil moisture
• Suppress weeds
• Cover & protect unused areas
• Prevent erosion by wind and rain
• Increase organic matter in your soil
• Recycle garden nutrients
Double digging is a method of preparing the soil that loosens and enriches 24 inches of soil—allowing plant roots to
fully explore the fertile soil and produce healthy, productive crops. This digging method is easily learned from staff
at Wasatch Community Gardens. Even though it may take a few hours to fully prepare a garden bed, the plant health
benefits and lack of needing to weed with closely spaced crops more than make up for the up-front work.
Resources:
Wasatch Community Gardens’ handouts on composting, double digging, intensive planting, companion planting,
cover cropping, and water conservation
How to Grow More Vegetables..., John Jeavons
50
Composting
"Composting is a giant step toward recycling wastes, conserving precious energy reserves, and
regaining control of our food supplies.” ~ Rodale Book of Composting
Why compost?
Creating a compost pile is one of the best investments you can make in your garden. Composting is the keystone to a
successful, sustainable organic garden. Rather than sending your garden wastes to the landfill and spending upwards
of $50 a year on fertilizers, your compost pile allows you to invest your precious plant materials to produce nature’s
finest fertilizer. Compost will:
• Add organic matter naturally • Aerate soil
• Prevent plant and soil diseases • Improve Drainage
• Correct sandy or clay soil structure • Prevent erosion
• Make a great mulch or top dressing • Neutralize toxins
• Provide a variety of nutrients when plants need • Recycle garden wastes
them
Building a Pile
As our favorite bumper sticker says, “Compost Happens.” If you put organic material in a pile, it will eventually
break down to composted matter. However, there are many ways to control this magical process through the size
and shape of the pile and the various materials added to it. You can have a “cold pile” that you add materials, such
as kitchen scraps, on an ongoing basis. This pile will compost rather slowly (1-2 years). The faster route requires the
creation of a “hot pile”, which should reach temperatures of 140° F. This pile is created with all the materials it will
need, so by adding water and turning it regularly, you can help this pile finish composting within 6-8 months. All
healthy compost piles require the following:
• Browns - "Browns" are dry materials such as leaves or straw that provide carbon. Browns should compose
roughly one-quarter of your pile.
• Greens - "Greens" are green materials such as grass or weeds from your garden that provide nitrogen. Greens
should compose roughly one-half of your pile.
• Soil - Adding soil brings organisms that decompose (this is particularly important for piles that are on concrete
or in containers off the ground) and provides a structure for the finished product. Soil should compose
roughly one-quarter of your pile (less for heavy clay soil).
• Water - The organisms in your pile need a moist environment to live in, especially in our desert climate. The
inside of your pile should have the consistency of a wrung-out sponge.
• Air - Turning your pile adds air to the mix. Organisms in the pile need a source of oxygen if they are going to
thrive.
There are a few different ways to shape your
composting process. A gardener’s choice of
composting method should be convenient and
reflect personal preference and aesthetics.
Large farming operations often choose to
create windrows, which are long, worm-
shaped piles which are ideal for machinery.
Home gardeners may opt for composting
underground through sheet-composting,
where plant material is buried under soil for a
few months. A typical compost pile should be
about 3 feet high and 3 feet wide. This pile
can be contained in a bin made of wood or
plastic. Some people even use wire cages.
Before creating a pile, loosen the soil where
you intend to build it. Then layer a few sticks or more woody material for the base level of the pile. This improves
drainage and creates an open invitation for decomposers to start working!
Compost Organisms
51
Many different kinds of organisms work together to make compost happen. The types of decomposers you find within your pile will
vary according to its stage of decomposition. These stages may be measured by temperature. Below 55° F, most microbes will be
dormant. The microbes existing between 55-70° F are called psychrophiles, which burn carbon and raise the temperature of the pile,
making way for mesophiles, which thrive at temperatures of 70-90° F. Mesophiles are the “work horses” of the pile, consuming
everything in sight which raises the temperature of the pile to over 100° F. Between 90-200° F thermophiles take over, producing
humic acid which improves soil structure, raises temperatures, and brings the pile to a finished state.
Vermicomposting
If you do not have space to create a compost pile outside, don’t worry! You can compost indoors using red wiggler worms (eisenia
foetida). All you need is a lidded container with holes drilled in the top and sides for proper aeration. It is also recommended that you
drill holes in the bottom for drainage. The worms will require bedding (such as newspaper), and food from your kitchen. Remember to
avoid meat, dairy, bread products, oily and citrus foods. The resulting compost is great for house plants!
Resources
Ranui Live Compost (435) 336-2813 Available at many local garden centers and Wild Oats
Organic Gardening Magazine. Available at your local library branch
The Rodale Book of Composting: Easy Methods for Every Gardener, Martin & Gershuny, eds,
Rodale Press 1992 Emmaus, Pennsylvania
Worms East My Garbage, Mary Appelhof, Flower Press 1982 Kalamazoo, Michigan
Home Composting Made Easy, C. Forrest McDowell & Tricia Clark-McDowell, 1998
*Illustration reproduced from How to Grow More Vegetables, by John Jeavons, 10 Speed
Press, Berkeley, CA, 1995 5th Edition (pg. 35)
Cover Cropping
Why use cover crops?
Have you been looking for ways to improve your soil's fertility and tilth? How about methods for suppressing weeds or
retaining moisture? What about attracting those elusive beneficial insects? Your solutions may be found in cover cropping
- a time-tested method for managing healthy gardens. Using cover crops can:
• Legumes – Legumes are a favorite cover crop because they fix nitrogen in your soil. Some legumes have large
taproots that go deep into the soil and ‘mine’ nutrients from below. The legume family includes: clovers, vetch,
alfalfa, fava beans, Austrian winter peas, medic, and soybeans. Legumes tend to do better in cooler climates, and
are suited to spring and fall plantings.
• Cereals – Cereal plants are usually quick-growing. They make great green manures because they are easily harvested
and composted, or tilled under, providing a great source for nitrogen and organic matter. Cereals include: annual
rye, wheat, oats, ryegrass, barley, sorghum and sudangrass.
• Broadleaf Plants – Broadleaf plants include: buckwheat, rape, mustard, turnips, daikon radish, and oilseed radish.
These plants tend to shade out competitive weeds. Buckwheat is very fast growing and comes right up in hot
weather. The brassicas (rape, mustard, turnip/radish) tend to have taproots that can break up hardpan in the soil,
and bring up previously untapped nutrients from deeper soils.
*Please refer to the resources below for detailed information about each crop.
53
• Remember that it takes 2-3 weeks for a cover crop that has been tilled in to decompose. Resist the urge to plant
during this period, as the decomposition process can inhibit seed germination and root growth.
• If you are planting a crop in the fall winter soil protection, you will need to plant your seeds about 30 days before the
first frost date.
• Using a seed mix with a combination of good covers may be a good option if you are interested in seeing which crop
works best for your needs.
• Some cover crops can spread to other parts of your garden. If you are concerned about this, remember to select an
annual crop that winterkills, or a plant like vetch, that you don’t mind popping up uninvited!
• By cutting down cover crops before they become mature or woody, you will be saving yourself a lot of effort when
tilling or harvesting the plants.
Inoculants
When you ‘inoculate’ legume seeds, you are treating them in a powdery medium that contains rhizobia, a bacteria that has
a symbiotic relationship with legume roots. When rhizobial bacteria are present, they provide access to nitrogen from the
air. This nitrogen is stored in nodules on the roots of legumes. In return, the bacteria receive nutrition from the roots.
Gardeners are often encouraged to use an inoculant when planting legumes because it increases the amount of nitrogen
that becomes available to the soil after the plant dies. There are specific inoculants for specific legumes, so be sure to
consult the seed source to make sure that you are using just the right one for your crop.
Resources
Sustainable Agriculture Cover Crop Database: http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/ccrop/
Cover Crops for Home Gardens in Western Washington and Oregon (EB1824), Washington State University Cooperative Extension,
1997
Cover Crop Fundamentals (AGF-142-99), Alan Sundermeier, Ohio State University, 1999
Fall Garden Cover Crops, Charlie Nardozzi, Gardener’s Supply Company, 1997
Green Manure, Rodale’s All-New Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening, pp. 293-295, Rodale Press 1997
The Garden Primer, Barbara Damrosch, Workman Press 1988, New York, New York
Four-Season Harvest, Eliot Coleman, Chelsea Green Publishing, 1992 White River Junction, Vermont
Managing Cover Crops Profitably, Sustainable Agriculture Network, 1998, Beltsville, Maryland
54
BASIC COMPANION CHART FOR VEGETABLES & HERBS
Bad
Plant Good Companions
Companions
Basil Pepper, Tomato, Marigold
Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Celery, Corn,
Bush Beans Cucumbers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Pea, Radish, Onion
Strawberry, Savory, Tansy, Marigold
Carrots, Corn Cucumber, Eggplant, Lettuce, Pea,
Pole Beans Beets, Onion
Radish, Savory, Tansy
Beets Bush Beans, Cabbage, Onion, Sage
Bush Beans, Beets, Celery, Onions, Tomato, All
Cabbage Family Strawberry
Strong Herbs, Marigold, Nasturtium
Bush Beans, Pole Beans, Lettuce, Onion, Peas,
Carrots Dill
Radish, Tomato, Sage
Celery Bush Beans, Cabbage, Onion, Spinach, Tomato
Bush Beans, Pole Beans, Cucumber, Melons, Peas,
Corn Tomato
Squash
Bush Beans, Pole Beans, Corn, Lettuce, Onions,
Cucumbers No Strong Herbs
Peas, Radish, Marigold, Nasturtium, Savory
Eggplant Bush Beans, Pole Beans, Spinach
Bush Beans, Pole Beans, Carrots, Cucumbers,
Lettuce
Onion, Radish, Strawberries
Melons Corn, Nasturtium, Radish
Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Celery, Cucumber,
Bush Beans, Pole
Onion Lettuce, Pepper, Squash, Strawberries, Tomato,
Beans, Peas
Savory
Parsley Tomato
Bush Beans, Pole Beans, Carrots, Corn Cucumber,
Peas Onion
Radish, Turnips
Pepper Onion
Bush Beans, Pole Beans, Carrots, Cucumber,
Radish Hyssop
Lettuce, Melons, Peas, Squash
Spinach Celery, Eggplant, Cauliflower
Squash Corn, Onion, Radish
Strawberry Bush Beans, Lettuce, Onion, Spinach Cabbage
Tomato Cabbage, Carrots, Celery, Onion, Mint Corn, Fennel
Source: © GardenGuides, 2000
(gardener@interpath.com)
55
Double Digging: Soil and Biceps Improvement
Double digging is not a motivating concept. That's what machine cultivators are for, after all--to save gardeners
from a sore back and bleeding blisters. Paradoxically, repeated machine cultivation can cause the situations that
warrant double digging.
The reasons for, and the definition of, double digging are widely misunderstood. Double digging is not doing
the same task twice; it is the equivalent of deep tilling or subsoil plowing. To double dig is to remove a layer of
topsoil to "spade depth"--8 in. to 12 in., roughly the length of a spade's blade--and set it aside. Then, the next 8-
in. to 12- in. layer of soil, the subsoil, is loosened, aerated, and often augmented by compost, aged manure, leaf
mold, or peat moss. Organic matter improves the drainage of heavy clay soils and helps light sandy soils hold
moisture longer. Finally, the top layer is put back in place.
The reasons for double digging are twofold: to relieve subsoil compaction and to refurbish the topsoil. Soil
particles in compacted subsoil, also known as hardpan, are tightly packed, with few air pockets. What causes
compaction can be either a naturally occurring layer of clay and silt, or repeated use of machinery such as
shallow tillers or construction equipment that compresses the soil underneath. Plant roots and moisture can't
penetrate hardpan; poorly draining water and stunted plant growth are the result. Double digging mitigates these
problems by breaking up the hardpan and improving root penetration and drainage. Plants grow best in soil that
has been loosened before planting to allow ready penetration of the two things roots need most: oxygen and
water.
Heavily and frequently cultivated topsoil not only leads to compaction but also tends to lose its mineral and
nutritive value over time, as soil particles give up their stored minerals to plant growth. Occasionally, it is
necessary to replace the soil particles in the topsoil with fresh soil from underneath. Double digging brings
deep soil particles closer to the surface where plants' feeder roots can reach them.
Resources:
http://www.finegardening.com/kg/features/techniques/9digging.htm
How to Grow More Vegetables…, John Jeavons
56
Container Gardening
Tips:
If you plant in clay pots you will need to water more often
South facing windows or balconies are best for sunlight
Drainage is important – add rocks to bottom of no-hole pots
Combat pests with soap sprays – take pots outside
Treat wood containers with non-toxic linseed oil
Plant List:
Herbs Veggies Flowers
Chives Tomatoes Nasturtiums
Supplies:
Containers (get creative! use what’s around you!)
Organic Potting Soil & Compost (Ranui Gardens)
Spray Bottle and Watering Can
Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Soap for Pests
Working Space – use newspaper/old sheet/plastic
Resources:
The Edible Container Garden: Growing Fresh Food in Small Spaces, Michael Guerra, Fireside Books
Bountiful Container: A Container Garden of Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits & Edible Flowers, McGee & Stuckey, Workman Pub.
The Container Kitchen Garden, Anthony Atha, Sterling Pub. 2000
Gardening Without a Garden, Gay Search, DK Pub. 1997
The Complete Guide to Container Gardening, Stephanie Donaldson
57
Hardening Off & Transplanting
Why Harden Off Your Plants?
Transplanting seedling from the greenhouse or windowsill to the garden can put them through a lot of stress.
Direct sunlight, wind and extreme temperatures can shock and damage tender seedling grown indoors. The
more you can do to ease this stress the sooner the seedlings will recover from the transplant shock, toughen and
begin to grow into healthy plants.
Warm weather crop should be planted after the last frost when the soil begins to warm up in late spring/early
summer. They include: melons, carrots, chard, corn, cucumbers, peppers, potatoes, pumpkins, beans, squash,
tomatoes, and eggplants.
Most vegetable varieties can be started in a greenhouse, though many (both cool and warm season crop) are
commonly sown directly into the soil. In Utah tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, brassicas (broccoli, kale, cabbage,
cauliflower, etc.) some squash, herbs, and flowers are often started in the greenhouse and therefore should be
hardened off.
Begin acclimating your seedlings to the garden by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. First expose
them to filtered sun in the shade of a tree or in a sheltered spot protected from the wind and direct sun. Leave
them out for an hour in the morning or late afternoon the first day. Each day increase the exposure to the
outdoors until after a week or so, they can withstand a full day of sun. While hardening the seedlings off, keep
them well-watered and watch them closely for signs of stress (the leaves may start turning yellow and drying
out if exposed to too much sun). You can cover the plants with shade cloth to help them adjust and to protect
against wind and cold temperatures even after they’ve been planted into the garden.
Transplanting
After you’ve hardened off your cool weather seedlings in mid-spring and your warm weather crop after the
average last frost, it’s time to transplant them into the garden. Pick a cloudy, windless afternoon to transplant
your seedlings to lessen the stress on them.
Transplanting Continued…
Make a hole or trowel out a row that is a little larger than the root ball of your seedling(s). Place a handful of
compost in the hole or work some into the topsoil before you make the row. Fill the hole with water and let it
sink in. Tap the sides of the pot to loosen the soil and root ball. Then carefully pull the seedling out by holding
onto a leaf. Avoid holding the plant by its stem as it’s easily damaged. Gently loosen and spread the roots and
immediately place the seedling into the hole (limiting the roots’ exposure to the dry air). Set the plant in the
hole a little deeper than it was in the pot, fill in the rest with soil and gently firm around roots to eliminate air
pockets. Make a saucer-depression around the stem to help catch water. Give each plant at least a quart of
58
water directly after they’ve been planted. You may want to mulch around the base of the plant with straw to
help keep weeds down and decrease evaporation.
After you have transplanted the seedlings, carefully observe your plants. Water them well until they have fully
recovered (established plants show new growth). Watch the weather for the first week or two after the average
last- frost date in case of a spell of cold or hot weather. If a late frost threatens to occur cover your warm-
weather plants with weather cloth or a plastic tarp to protect your plants. Cold frames, wallo’waters, cloches,
hotcaps (milk jugs), and grow tunnels (with weather cloth or fiberglass) are other devices used to protect plants
by trapping warm air during the day and insulating the plants and soil during the night, prompting faster growth.
Remember to remove any of these devices on sunny days to avoid roasting your plants.
Resources:
Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening, Ed. Marshal Bradley and Barbara W. Ellis, Rodale
Press 1997.
The Garden Primer, Barbara Damrosch, Workman Publishing 1988.
The New Seed-Starters Handbook, Nancy W. Bubel, Rodale Press 1988.
59
Heirloom Vegetables: An Old Story with Hope for the Future
Characteristics:
Heirloom varieties are the pure strain of a particular variety of a plant. They are not the standard hybrid –
combination of two varieties of plants – that is often found in many nurseries and seed catalogs. Heirlooms are
the old varieties you may have found in your grandmother’s garden. This may be why her tomatoes taste better
than yours.
Heirloom plants are not suited to large scale production because they cannot be harvested mechanically or
transported long distances to market. But they are often ideal for home gardeners, whose needs and preferences
remain unchanged through the generations. Many heirloom crops taste better or are more tender tha n hybrid
replacements, and many spread their harvest over a long period. If grown for years in one locality, they have
adapted to the climate and soil conditions of that area and may out produce other hybrid varieties. Others may
be less productive than today’s hybrids, but offer greater disease and insect resistance.
Why Heirloom?
A more vital reason for growing old cultivars is that heirloom plants represent a vast and diverse pool of genetic
characteristics – one that will be lost forever if these pla nts are allowed to become extinct. Even cultivars that
seem inferior to us today may carry a gene that will prove invaluable in the future. One may contain a valuable
but yet undiscovered compound. Another could have the disease resistance vital to future generations of
gardeners and plant breeders (Bradley, F.M., Ellis, B.W.)
Heirlooms are also important because they contain higher nutrients and are better for the soil. Some hybrids
produce food of lower nutritive value in comparison with older stains, and often use up nutrients from the soil at
a more rapid rate than a living soil can sustain over time. Hybrids are also often very susceptible to a few
diseases even when they are greatly resistant to many prevalent ones.
Great Heirloom Tomato Varieties Grown and Tested in Salt Lake City:
Cherokee Purple
Brandywine
Tigerella
Marvel Striped
Striped German
Yellow Pear
Matt’s Wild Cherry
Resources:
How to Grow More Vegetables..., John Jeavons
Rodales Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening, F.M. Bradley, B.W. Ellis
Seed to Seed, Suzanne Ashworth
60
Johnny Selected Seeds :
Foss Hill Road
Albion, Maine 04910
Phone: (207) 437-4301; Fax: 1-800-437-4290
http://www.johnnyseeds.com/
Native Seeds/SEARCH
526 N. 4th Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85705-8450
http://www.azstarnet.com/~nss/index.html
Seeds of Change
Order on-line or call us Toll-Free 1-888-762-7333
http://store.yahoo.com/seedsofchange/
Shepherds Seeds
30 Irene St.,
Torrington, CT 06790
Telephone: 860-482-3638 Fax: 860-482-0532
http://www.shepherdseeds.com/
61
Organic Pest Management
Keeping a garden pest-free can be a challenge. Every gardener has lost a plant to pests or disease at some point in his or
her gardening experience. It is easy to react with anger – many of us have sworn vengeance on each and every plant
destroyer that has ever crawled on the earth! But before we place land mines around our beloved heirloom tomatoes, we
should first ask ourselves to look at the big picture. Quite often the reason why the plant was lost was within our control
from the beginning.
"I suspect that the insects which have harassed you have been encouraged by the feebleness
of your plants... produced by the lean state of your soil... When earth is rich, it bids defiance
to droughts [and] yields in abundance." Thomas Jefferson, 1793, in a letter to his daughter
For organic gardeners, the key to healthy plants is prevention. If your soil is healthy, your plantings are well planned, and
your plants have access to adequate nutrients, you will have fewer problems with pests and disease. As the old saying
goes, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ So, rather than investing in chemical solutions to pest problems,
try investing in the general health of your garden – your plants (and beneficial insects) will thank you.
62
Keeping records will help you track the appearance of pests over time, so that you can become better informed
about when the pest appeared, how long it stayed, the damage created, and how the pest was dealt with. These
records will help you to anticipate pests, and to determine whether it is worth being concerned about.
7. Scout for Problems
Taking a few minutes each time you are in the garden to look for signs of pest trouble will save you time and stress
later on. Check under leaves for aphids. Look for slug and snail trails. Check under rocks and boards for pests that
may be hiding during the day.
8. Choose the Right Controls
Know your enemy. Some plant diseases look like pest problems, and vice-versa. Once you have determined what
has been eating your plants and how important it is to control it, it is time to decide which controls to use:
• Cultural Controls Adjust planting dates, modify pest habitats, etc…
• Physical Controls Traps, hand removal, water sprays, etc…
• Biological Controls Natural predators, nutrient balance, sprays and dusts, etc…
Remember, all things in the garden are connected. From the plants you grow to the microbes in the soil, from the beetles
and snails to the lacewings and ladybugs, each has a presence and a function. Your job as a gardener is to allow Nature to
maintain a healthy balance in the garden.
Resources:
Good Bugs for Your Garden, Allison Mia Starcher, Algonquin Books, 1995
Pests of the Garden and Small Farm, Mary Louise Flint, Univ. of California, 1998
Garden Pests and Diseases, Lynne Gilberg, ed., Sunset Books, 1993
Great Garden Companions: A Companion-Planting System for a Beautiful, Chemical-Free Vegetable Garden, Rodale
Press, Sally Jean Cunningham, 2000
Organic Pest & Disease Control, Taylor’s Weekend Gardening Guides, Barbara Ellis, ed., Houghton Mifflin, 1997
The Organic Gardener’s Handbook of Natural Insect and Disease Control, Barbara Ellis, ed., Rodale Press, 1996
Rodale’s Pest and Disease Problem Solver: A Chemical-Free Guide to Keeping Your Garden Healthy, Gilkeson, Peirce,
Smith, Rodale Press, 2000
Organic Plant Protection, Roger B. Yepsen, Jr., ed., Rodale Press, 1978 9th Edition
www.invisiblegardener.com, www.organicgardening.com, www.ccof.org
63
Water Conservation
Why Conserve?
Paying attention to the amount of water we use in our homes and landscapes is important for the health of our
communities and our gardens. Utah is the second driest state in the nation. It is surprising to know that our per
capita water consumption levels are at 290 gallons/day/person - the second highest in the nation, and far above
the national average of 180 gallons/day/person. While it is important for us to use moderate amounts of water in
our gardens, WCG also recognizes that vegetable plants need certain water levels in order to produce the
desired harvest. It is our philosophy that it best serves our needs and the needs of our gardens to understand the
requirements of our plants and water accordingly.
Most vegetable plants grow stronger root systems when they are watered deeply over evenly-spaced intervals.
Watering a little bit each day encourages shallow root growth and hardpan in the soil, especially in our dry
climate. Allowing your soil to dry completely before watering again will reduce fungus and disease in your soil.
A good test for soil moisture is to stick your finger a couple of inches below the surface. If it is moist, your
plants will not need watering.
There are more sophisticated ways to test the moisture level of your soil. Some soil moisture meters are highly
advanced, but tend to be high in cost. A soil probe will take a vertical sample of your soil, showing you how far
down water is penetrating after watering. Measuring the amount of water you use per week is also wise. A
container can easily be placed outside when watering. By measuring the amount of water in the container, you
can determine if you need to increase or decrease the amount of water that you are providing your garden.
Ways to Conserve
One of the best ways to reduce water consumption is to reduce your need for water. Covering your plot with a
straw or leaf mulch will help your plants grow by conserving moisture, keeping weeds down, and adding
organic material to your soil. Smart gardeners don't go without mulch! Commonly used organic mulches
include straw, leaves, grass clippings, hay, pine needles and even newspaper. Another way to keep your soil
cool is to plant your crops close together. This creates a microclimate where plants protect the soil and each
other from the sun. Studies have shown that healthy soil retains moisture longer than compacted, lifeless soil.
The time you spend making sure that your soil is full of life- giving organic matter and plenty of nutrients will
benefit your crops and most importantly, save water.
64
Mulch Material Advantages Disadvantages
Straw/Hay Cheap, readily available, adds organic May contain weed seed, insects, disease/mold
matter
Leaves Readily Available, free, rich in nutrients Can mat down, be too acidic, may contain pesticide residue
Grass Clippings Free, easy to apply, good source of nitrogen Can mat down, may contain weed seeds, herbicide residue
Pine Needles Good way to lower pH, easy to apply May be too acid
Newspaper Easy to obtain & apply, earthworms love it Decomposes quickly, must be weighted down
Plastic Total weed control, warms soil well, heavy Expensive, unattractive, may sterilize soil, must be weighted
plastic is durable and may be reused down
Drip Irrigation
Three of the gardens operated by WCG have drip irrigation systems. By slowly applying water at the base
of the plant (where it's needed the most), over a longer period of time, drip irrigation allows us to water
deeply without wasting water. Water that is sprayed overhead with a hose or sprinkler will be lost to
evaporation and might burn the leaves of your plants on sunny days. Drip irrigation also drastically
reduces the amount of topsoil lost to erosion from overhead sprinkling systems or conventional irrigation.
Fewer weeds crop up with drip irrigation because water is being applied to the plants you want to
encourage, rather than the entire garden.
Resources:
Jordan Valley, Water Conservation District (801) 565-8903 www.jvwcd.org
Sherm Fox , Trickle Irrigation Supply, (801) 272-2354
Colorado State Cooperative Extension www.colostate.edu/depts/coopext/
Western Regional Climate Center www.wrcc.dri.edu
How to Grow More Vegetables (than you ever thought possible) pp. 68-73, John Jeavons,
Ten Speed Press, 1995
65
Trellising
Trellising Basics
One of the challenges of urban gardening is limited space. Trellising is an especially useful technique because it allows urban
gardeners to utilize vertical space. Trellising vegetable plants helps to keep crops off the ground resulting in cleaner fruits that are less
susceptible to rot, to certain soil born diseases and insects and to ground dwelling pests. Trellising also makes for an easier harvest
and can be used to satisfy aesthetics preferences such as covering unattractive fences with flowering vines or welcoming garden
visitors with a lushly arching entrance arbor.
Fruit and vegetable plants that are commonly trellised include squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, melons, gourds, beans, peas, raspberries,
grapes, tomatoes, and sometimes peppers and eggplants. Gardeners also often use trellises for flowering vines such as Morning
Glories or Trumpet Vines, or for ivy plants.
There are many trellis designs to consider. They include: teepee, A-frame, basic stake, double-armed T, square wire frame, cage,
fence, branch, staked row and string, and living companion plant trellises (such as corn stalks for beans). However, you needn’t limit
yourself to existing styles. Be creative, there are dozens of possible trellis designs. If creating your own, make sure they are
sufficiently strong to bear the weigh of your mature plants in varied weather. Also remember to include large openings in your design
for easy harvest. If you choose to use trellises, set them up in the garden before planting to avoid damaging plant roots and match the
trellis with the plant. Different trellis varieties are discussed below with each respective plant type they best accommodate (this
handout with focus on peas, pole beans, and tomatoes).
A-Frame Trellis: Lean two wooden 4 by 5 ft. frames covered with wide-meshed wire or plastic mesh to make the letter “A” when
viewed from the side (see picture below). Fasten the frames at the top with wire or hinges to stabilize the structure. Then simply sow
your peas along the bottom of each frame at the desired depth and spacing.
Staked Row/Wide-Meshed Trellis: Sink 5 ft. tall stakes or poles into the ground at a depth of a 1-2 ft. and spaced every 3 ft. Pull tight
and fasten the “sheet” of mesh at each stake/pole using a staple gun or wire for the length of the bed. Sow peas directly underneath
and on both sides of the meshed trellis.
Branch: One of the simplest trellis structures for your peas is the discarded branch. Find branches that have 2 in.
diameters and that twig out from the main limb after about 1 ½ft. —sinking the limb into the soil at a depth of 1-2 ft. Sow
peas at the base of the branch.
Beans There are several popular ways to trellis pole beans: the teepee trellis, the single stake trellis, the A-frame trellis, the living
corn stock trellis, and the wooden frame/vertical wire trellis. Pole bean trellises will require 8 ft. tall poles, stakes or frames.
Otherwise their construction will be similar to those mentioned in the “Peas” section. Pole beans especially like simple vertical wires
or poles to climb with no horizontal lines to interrupt their path. Be sure to set up the trellis before you sow your beans--after the
average last frost date. Sow several seeds around each pole or stake and thin down to three when seedlings start to get larger.
Teepee: Place three poles together like a teepee and tie them together at the top with stout twine or wire (see
below). The poles should be at least 8 ft. tall.
Single Stake: Drive a 9 ft. stake or pole into the soil 1-2 ft. deep and sow bean seeds directly underneath. The beans will wind
naturally around the pole so no additional twine should be needed to hold the plant up.
A-Frame: Follow the same design as the pea A-frame trellis using the dimensions of 4 ft. wide and 8 ft. tall.
Corn Stock Trellis: If using the living corn stock trellis, sow corn at least 2-3 weeks prior to sowing your beans so they’re sufficiently
strong and tall to hold the beans when they begin to vine. The corn stock will serve as a support beam for the bean plants while the
nitrogen fixing beans help to replenish the soil with nutrients that they heavy-feeding corn depletes. Corn should be spaced roughly a
foot apart with two seeds per hole planted at a depth of 1inch
66
Frame and Wire: Follow the directions for the bean A-Frame trellis above but make only one frame. Attach each side to 9 ft. stakes,
posts or poles that are sunken into the bed 1-2 ft.
The Tomato Cage: The most common tomato trellis is the cage variety with openings large enough to harvest through. Sinking two
or three additional stakes on the inside of a cage will reinforce them to the extent that a tomato laden with fruit will be held sturdily
(see below). If making your own cage bend a 6 by 5 concrete reinforcement wire mesh to make a circular cage. A variant of the wire
tomato cage is the wooden box cage that is essentially the same design except square instead of circular and constructed with wood
instead of wire. Be sure to avoid wood treaded with toxic chemicals.
Post and Mesh or String: Another popular trellis for tomatoes planted in rows utilizes single 5 ft. tall 2 in. diameter posts sunken 1-2
ft. into the ground with sheets of plastic or wire mesh (trellis netting) fasted (stapled or tied with wire or twine) to each post and
spaced 4 to 5 ft. apart down the row. Make sure the-mesh has large openings to make harvesting easy. If you don’t have plastic mesh
you can tightly loop lines of twine around each post down the row in horizontal fashion every 6-12 in. up the post. When using one
row of posts and mesh/twine, you may want to gently tie main vines to the trellis with a soft twine for extra support. If you’re planting
2 rows of tomatoes down a single bed they can be sandwiched together in between two rows of posts and mesh/twine (see below).
Basic Stake: If growing tomatoes up a single vertical stake (2 inch in diameter), prune the plants to one main stem and clip off the
suckers that grow between leaf stems and the main stem. If using stakes you’ll need to tie the main tomato vines with soft but stout
twine to the stakes using a lose knot to avoid damaging the stems. Each 6 ft. tall 2 in. diameter stake should be placed 2 ft. apart and
sunken 1 to 2 ft. deep (see below).
A- Basic Stake
B- A-Frame
C- Teepee
D- Cages
C
E- Frame &Wire
F- Branch Trellis
G- Post & Wire Row
G
D A
B
E
F
Resources
The Garden Primer, by Barbara Damrosch, Workman Publishing 1988
Rodale’s Illustrated Gardening and Landscaping Technique, Ed. Bradley and Ellis, Rodale Press 1990
Rodale’s All-New Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening, Ed. Barbara Ellis, Rodale Press 1997
67